August 2nd, 2017
Heating your home in winter doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. All heaters cost money to run, of course... But some are cheaper than others, and some are particularly efficient in certain types of spaces. But how do you find the ‘right heater’ for your unique space? With such a wide range of options available, choosing the most cost-effective and efficient heating can ... Read more
June 10th, 2016
It’s getting cold in here! The months of June, July and August in Australia can mean many different things to many different Australians. Some people celebrate the Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen, while others gear up to hit the slopes at Thredbo, as the Queen’s Birthday long weekend is also traditionally seen as the opening of the snow season. Image courtesy of Ventrilock at FreeDigitalPhotos.net Over in the North ... Read more
March 31st, 2016
If you want to be prepared for the gradual change in seasons, or for a sudden cold snap, it’s worth investing in a heating appliance well before the mercury starts plummeting. But while heaters and similar warming appliances are certainly practical, they aren’t always the most stylish additions to your home’s décor, usually being designed primarily with utility in mind. To help you stay fashionable as well as ... Read more
August 19th, 2015
On cold winter nights, my Cairn Terrier Alfred loves to snuggle up in front of the fireplace. He will stay there for hours, almost hypnotised by the orange flickering flames. However, on some occasions his wagging tail has gotten a little bit too close for comfort and his fur is often very hot to touch. Household heaters may be comforting for pets like Alfred, but can be dangerous. ... Read more
August 5th, 2015
If you’re taking a well-deserved break from the everyday home-work-sleep routine that will last longer than a couple of days, it’s entirely possible that a good chunk of your home’s electricity will end up going to waste… and you’ll still have to pay for it! source: Mjuzikxhankej on Wikimedia Commons Here’s a quick checklist of things to, well, check before you head off on your next great adventure: Switch ... Read more
July 20th, 2015
One great way to deal with the winter chill is to dig the old electric blanket out of the linen cupboard. But because we don't typically use these blankets all year round, it's usually worthwhile refreshing our memories of how electric blankets work, how to reduce their safety risks, and what their running costs are: How do electric blankets work? Imagine a pretty normal underblanket, designed to be fitted ... Read more
July 17th, 2015
Do domestic cats and dogs really need the lights, radio and TV left on for comfort when their owners are away? We spoke to Belrose veterinarian Dr John Thirlwell to bust some myths and set the record straight for pet owners. source: JKehoe_Photos on Flickr According to Dr Thirlwell, owners leave lights, radio, television and heaters/coolers on for their pets out of guilt because they think their cat or ... Read more
July 13th, 2015
We Australians love to poke a bit of fun at our friends in the northern hemisphere for being unable to handle hot weather (“Temperatures may reach 30 degrees C in Britain? The poor dears…”*). That said, we ‘strayans can also be massive sooks when things get a bit chilly (“Snow? What is this I can’t even.”). source: Fir0002 on Wikimedia Commons While prevention is always the best cure (possibly ... Read more
June 26th, 2015
It’s wet, cold, and all our coats and scarves have come out of hiding. Yes, winter is definitely upon us, and with winter usually comes colder temperatures, and the dreaded man flu! [caption id="attachment_32693" align="aligncenter" width="266"] Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net[/caption] Below are few of my favourite ways to beat the winter blues, as well as tips and tricks that will help you and your family. Soup glorious ... Read more
June 2nd, 2015
Something’s in the air. Not love, but something just as catchy. GERMS. Yes, with winter having rolled around again, Australian workplaces are being inundated with the sounds of discreet sniffles, honking nose-blowing, stifled coughs and incredulous cries of “what are you doing at work? Go home before you infect us all!” But we’re not even safe, in our own homes. Whether you share your home with family or flatmates, ... Read more
May 20th, 2015
No, we’re not making that same tired old “winter is coming” Game Of Thrones joke that every other winter-themed article has been making for the past five years. Winter is practically already HERE, so you need a way to stay warm, or preferably more than one, right now. Here are a few of our favourite methods of staying warm in the winter months: Use a heater This is an ... Read more
April 30th, 2014
As a certain fictional character once said, Winter Is Coming. To help you prepare for when the mercury drops, here’s our guide to staying warm, safe and healthy this winter: Seal and insulate your home If you want warm air inside, you’ll need to keep the cold air outside. Simple enough. Here's how: Insulation throughout your home’s walls and ceilings can help to maintain a stable indoor temperature throughout the winter. ... Read more
October 15th, 2013
Notice how randomly the weather's been behaving lately? In fact, it’s fair to say it’s moodier than a teething toddler. How to ensure a peaceful, harmonious vibe in your living space and general well-ness of your chi despite the unpredictable climate outside? The answer lies in this unassuming white box. It’s the new Dados Compact Portable Air Conditioner from Atlantic. This remarkable appliance is the all-in-one climate control solution: ... Read more
August 13th, 2012
A spate of house fires across Sydney over the weekend has prompted authorities to urge households to remain cautious for the last month of winter. The blazes saw firefighters called out to three separate incidents in the Blue Mountains - as well as a burnt-out home in Sydney's south - since Friday (August 10). According to Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Paul Bailey, while the cause of the ... Read more
July 25th, 2012
Between the frosty mornings and chilly evenings, we all need a little help trying to stay warm this winter. But just how safe are the products that we use as a source of heat? To give households a helping hand when it comes to safety, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released its top winter product safety tips after a number of popular items were recalled, ... Read more