Category: LIFESTYLE

Traffic management: the most important tools

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If you’re running an event in and around Melbourne, then you’re likely to find great value in all-inclusive traffic management & control services in Epping, for example, but how much do you know about how these services work? Traffic management just seems to happen, but it takes a core group of essential tools that have to be designed and manufactured to help get traffic management right. It’s not just a question of someone in a fluorescent jacket pointing people in a certain direction! Here are several tools that no traffic management operation can do without. 1. Portable traffic signals First and foremost are the portable signs and traffic signals that communicate instructions to drivers when they reach a traffic control area. They’re especially useful for controlling traffic when the roads are under maintenance and so the regular flow of the road has been changed. In these situations, drivers need fast and unambiguous instructions on where to go to safely proceed past the road works area. All road signs have to be clearly visible of course, regardless of how fast the driver in the car is travelling, but the temporary portable signals have to be even more visible. It can be extra dangerous for drivers who are on familiar roads who are coming up on an area where traffic control is being implemented, because if they miss the new signals or signs, then accidents can easily ensue. 2. Traffic cones The humble traffic cone is among the most well-known symbols of traffic control anywhere in the… Read More

Top reasons that people visit the osteopath

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When you were thinking about whether to book your osteopathy appointment this Christmas, you might have wondered what drives people there in the first place. Not everyone is very familiar with what exactly osteopaths do, so they might not really know what kind of problems they have warrant an appointment. Below are some of the most common reasons people decided to consult an osteopath.  1. Spine and Pelvis Problems with these 2 key areas on the body are what research shows were the most common reasons people sought consultation with an osteopath. Contrary to what one might think, osteopaths are not helping countless multitudes with injuries incurred while skiing or surfing, but rather spine and pelvic injuries incurred by an increasingly sedentary lifestyle. Sports injuries are also part of the client base, of course, but in a world where more and more people are damaging their spine and pelvis as a part of their everyday activity, osteopaths are increasingly needed for help. Their holistic approach is designed to get to the root of these problems rather than simply finding a quick fix. 2. Women’s Health The same research that shows spine and pelvic problems being among the most complaints people take to an osteopath also reveals that by far women are more likely to seek help than men. The study revealed that of 14,000 patients reviewed, more than 8700 were female. Women seek out osteopaths more than men seemingly because their bodies undergo many more chemical and hormonal changes through life, especially when getting pregnant…. Read More

Expert tips for choosing the right food for your dog

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Your dog is a member of your family, and you want what’s best for him. Whether he needs to lose weight or gain it or maintain his current healthy weight, there are many food choices available that can help you reach your goal. If you are considering making the switch from one product line to another, it’s worth taking a minute or two before purchasing. Here are factors you should consider to help you make the best decision. The quality of the food You should seek food that contains high-quality proteins, which are necessary to maintain your dog’s health. Protein comprises amino acids, the fundamental components of muscles, organs, and skin. Hence, High quality food for dogs should contain at least 25% protein. Low protein foods might cause your dog to lose weight and muscle mass. Foods high in carbohydrates might affect your dog’s level of glycemic control, which can lead to weight gain over time. Carbohydrates provide energy for your dog. However, it would help if you choose whole grains instead of processed flour because whole grains are very nutritious and minimally processed. The quality of the ingredients Check the ingredients list on any product you consider buying. If it includes corn, soy, or wheat (which some manufacturers add as a cheap filler), it’s probably best to choose another product. These ingredients are likely to cause allergic reactions in your pet. Even if he’s not allergic, they won’t provide him with the necessary nutrients to be a waste of money and time. If you’re… Read More

Heading to Wespac Openair Cinema? Swing past the Hendrick’s Gin Garden

Westpac Openair CInemas

Westpac’s Openair Cinema’s back – now that we’re allowed – and that means two things: good movies and an excuse for good drinks. So, if you’re going, consider finishing the night off with Hendrick’s in their latest Gin Garden instalment. Sydney’s iconic 350-square-metre movie screen has once again risen from the harbour at Mrs Macquaries Point in the Royal Botanic Garden. From now through to February 22, Sydneysiders will be able to enjoy much more than the latest James Bond flick at Westpac Openair Cinema – before your movie starts, swing by Hendrick’s Gin Garden at The Point!  Directly north of the cinema seating, the pop-up bar will be serving crisp Hendrick’s Gin and Tonics, “oddly infused” with rose and cucumber gin. The gates to the cinema open at 6pm (the movies start after nightfall, usually between 8pm and 8.45pm) meaning you’ll have plenty of time to have a drink or two before taking their seat.  Tickets are now on sale, find more event details and book at the website

5 new social habits created by the pandemic

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The pandemic years represent a time many people would prefer to forget. Although we are finally seeing our way through this global crisis, many of the social habits formed during this time continue and will likely do so for quite some time.  Although each country reacted differently to the virus, something similar happened globally: social norms and interactions changed and evolved to accommodate the new health concerns. Many wonder if our old normal will ever return, and many experts are suggesting that it likely never will.  Below, we take a closer look at some of the social habits that have arisen from the pandemic and whether they’re likely to continue in the long term.  1. Remote Interactions One of the biggest shifts caused by the pandemic is the increase in remote work arrangements. In an effort to slow the spread of the virus, many companies turned to virtual offices to enable employees to work safely but effectively from home.  Even the process of buying a home can now be done almost entirely online. You can search for and tour homes digitally, with many real estate agents offering virtual tours. You can even obtain a mortgage without ever leaving your couch.  Not too long ago, these practices were considered a luxury, but employers have discovered significant monetary savings associated with remote work. Because of this, returning to the office on a full-time basis is not likely to happen any time soon.  2. The Handshake When the pandemic first began, medical and science professionals told us that… Read More

Melbourne Midsumma: queerest celebration of all things LGBTIQA+ this summer

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After the fucking nightmare we’ve endured over the past better part of two years, it’s time to party. And where better to do it in the park, surrounded by friends, lovers, potential lovers, queens, queers and their friends? It’s time for the annual Melbourne Midsumma Festival in Alexandra Gardens from 23 January to 13 February 2022. Midsumma Carnival welcomes-in the celebrations for a whole 11 hours, so slip, slop, slap and strap in. In its 34th year, the Festival shines a spotlight on queer arts and cultural festivities, showcasing national and localartists. An impressive 195 events over the 3-week Festival will span across 119 venues, with over 500 culture-makersinvolved in events around metro Melbourne and regional Victoria. Celebrating LGBTQIA+, diverse journeys, culture makers and communities, Midsumma?will present161 open-access events made for, and by queer communities who live with shared experiences around diverse genderand sexuality, as well as a specifically curated program, Midsumma Presents, which will show 34 events highlightingthe unsung heroines and unheard voices of queer intersectional communities of this time. For more and to put together a plan, head to the Midsumma website

Edinburgh: celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at Holyroodhouse

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In Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year, a major exhibition showcasing some of the finest paintings in the Royal Collection will be staged at The Queen’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse. Queen Elizabeth has reigned for 70 years and amongst the massive celebrations planned for Her Majesty, this exhibition will put on a show befitting royalty. Displaying more than 30 spectacular works by artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens, Claude, Artemisia Gentileschi and Van Dyck, it’s an exhibition that’s worth the journey if you’re coming from afar. The exhibition provides a unique opportunity to view these world-renowned paintings afresh in a modern gallery setting, away from the historic interior of the Picture Gallery at Buckingham Palace, where they can usually be seen as part of the annual Summer Opening of the State Rooms. Masterpieces from Buckingham Palace is at The Queen’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse, 25 March – 25 September 2022. For more information and to book tickets, head to the Royal Collection Trust’s website

How to live a more eco-friendly life

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Protecting the planet has become a priority for thousands across the globe, but living a more eco-friendly life is easier said than done. It can be hard to know where to start when it comes to being green, but luckily there are lots of easy ways to get started. You don’t have to completely transform the way you live, but over time you might not recognise your day-to-day habits because of all the little changes you’ve been making. If you want to care for the planet without breaking the bank, take a look at these top tips. Save energy The cost of leaving appliances on standby isn’t just a financial one. The more energy you use, the more the planet suffers. While we need energy to live our daily lives, leaving appliances running when you’re not using them is just a waste. Make sure you switch off your TV and computer when you know you won’t be coming back to them for a while. Another way you can save energy is by switching off the lights when you leave the room and taking shorter showers. All these things can make a huge difference over time and you’ll be saving money as well as the environment. Reduce plastic waste Buying a bottle of water every day will mean you throw away 365 each year, so why not bring your water from home in a reusable water bottle? You can get all kinds of bottles these days, from ones with colourful patterns to those that keep your… Read More

Three simple DIY projects to rejuvenate your home

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It is always a good time to take stock of your home’s décor, but there’s something about the New Year in particular that really inspires a sense of change in many Australians. Why not capitalise on that ‘new year, new me’ feeling with some simple DIY projects to change up your home and improve it in the process? Paint a feature wall to maximise change with minimal effort Feature walls are no secret to the contemporary home, often employed to accent a wall or extend a living space – but it’s easy to forget that such a stunning change to a space can be made in less than half a day, with little more than a roll of masking tape and a paint roller. Endless possibilities lie in your potential feature wall with regard to painting alone; you do not even need to settle for one block colour. You could mask off sharp geometric patterns or create boxes within your feature wall, and paint in different colours to suit your scheme. You could even draw out intricate, repeatable patterns and create a wallpaper effect with a lighter colour. Mix textures and improve utility with wall hooks A fun and versatile way to add features to your walls can be found by using wall hooks. You might suspend an air plant in a hanging plant, or an ivy, to provide a natural texture at height; if deployed as part of a feature wall in your kitchen, mismatched kitchen towels could be hung from them at varying… Read More

Unique ideas for unique hoodies

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Is there any article of clothing that has more positive attributes than the hoodie? It keeps you warm in the winter, and it is the perfect thing to throw on when the weather drops at a summer barbeque. When coupled with a pair of shades, a hoodie will protect your anonymity and make you look like a celebrity hiding from the paparazzi. Hoodies can even be used as pajama tops in the winter. If you are like most people, you probably have more than one hoodie. Before you buy your next one, think about personalizing it. A hoodie that you design yourself will not only keep you cozy, warm, and secure, it can make a fashion statement. There are on-demand printing companies on the internet that let you put your design on the hoodie. You can upload a design or use the online tools they provide. There are a few different ways you can bling your hoodie. Let your sarcasm show If you have a sarcastic attitude, you can share your humor with a funny t-shirt. Whether your sense of humor is G rated or if adults best appreciate your wit, you can make your friends and family laugh and give strangers an idea of what to expect. A funny t-shirt can be a great conversation starter. If people like it, they may ask you where you got it. The better on-demand printers will allow you to sell your hoodie online. You simply set up an online store and link it to the on-demand printer…. Read More