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Fashion Weekly Reads: Growing Pineapples in the Outback

Welcome to Fashion Weekly Reads, our all-new series of book reviews and recommendations for your next must-read. Today’s review is of Growing Pineapples in the Outback, a 2020 work of non-fiction by Rebecca Lister and Tony Kelly. Read on to hear from guest reviewer Gry Risla.  

How to Take a Selfie Like a Celebrity

The selfie craze has become an integral element of today’s society. This has also caught the attention of the world’s celebrities, like Kim Kardashian and Selena Gomez, who have perfected the art of taking selfies. But how exactly do they manage to take such flawless selfies?

Q&A with Vanessa Spano from White Rabbit Candles Co

Written by Hanna Sloan

WFH space got you feeling uninspired? Or maybe you're searching for your next online shopping spree? Look no further than White Rabbit Candles, with luxurious candles and wax melts in heavenly scents sure to brighten any home workspace. We chatted with Vanessa Spano, owner of White Rabbit Candles, to see why you should treat yourself with this homemade Australian brand.

Impressing Your Friends with a Personalized Gift Hamper

One of the best things about personalized gift hampers is they are suitable for any and every celebratory occasion. Whether you want to impress friends on their birthdays, during holiday seasons, or at a random time of year to show you care, personalized gift hampers are the ideal presents.

Family-Friendly Hens Night Ideas

Written by Hanna Sloan

hens

If you’re reading this article, you’re either a bride to be (congratulations!) or a bridesmaid who is about to watch her bestie walk down the aisle with the person of her dreams. If you or the bride to be wince at the idea of a hens night with a male stripper and a night littered with sexual motifs, then this article is for you. Perhaps you love the idea of a male stripper but unfortunately, it might not be Grandma’s cup of tea or particularly age-appropriate for the bride's 17-year-old niece who wants to be a part of the celebrations. 

 

No matter your circumstances, this article has got you covered and will provide you with a variety of family-friendly hens night ideas which will ensure that everyone has a fantastic night.

 

For the Mental Thrill-Seeking Bride

If the bride-to-be loves mentally stimulating challenges and has a mind for puzzles then having a hens night at an escape room in Melbourne might be just the ticket. An escape room is a place where for 45 minutes to an hour, your hen party needs to work collaboratively to discover clues, solve puzzles and accomplish tasks in order to escape. Another great option is to take your hens party to one of Melbourne’s board game bars or arcades.  

 

The Bride Who Loves To Be Pampered

Sometimes the best thing for a bride before her big day is to pamper her before the big day and what better opportunity for that than to have a Group Spa Day hens party. This will keep the bride feeling fresh, revitalised and ready for her big day. The Mornington Peninsula and Daylesford are two areas in Melbourne that are fantastic for spa retreats. After a morning of pampering and relaxation, the hen party can head to one of Melbourne's high tea venues for something sweet and elegant. 

 

Fashionista Bride

Maybe it's a big dose of retail therapy that the bride is going to appreciate most and love to do with her hens, there are many shopping tours that operate throughout Melbourne. This option will allow the bride to pick up some style bargains so that she is always looking spectacular on her honeymoon, and maybe even purchase something a little more comfortable for her wedding night.  After a full day of shopping your hen party is sure to have worked up an appetite. So, why not continue on in style and attend one of Melbourne's finest restaurants that offer a dégustation menu? This final stop would be perfect for any foodie brides with a love of all things epicurean. 

 

Adrenaline Junkie Bride

If the bride is an active type who loves the outdoors, is a bit sporty and loves a bit of rough and tumble then perhaps a paintballing hen party is going to be the perfect option. The paintballing field might be the perfect place to relieve some of the stress of planning the wedding. Another equally fun option for your party could be to let loose on a go-kart track, Victoria has several fantastic go-karting tracks which can provide a fast-paced thrill.

Most of all, remember to have fun with your planning, there are so many family-friendly options available for hens parties. The most important thing to remember is to tailor the hens party to suit the personality of the bride and the hens who will be a part of the celebration. By following this rule you will have a fantastic time no matter how you decide to celebrate.

The top 5 reasons to use intense pulsed light hair removal

Intense pulsed light hair removal (IPL) is one of the most popular types of hair removal methods on the planet. From shaving every few days to plucking, waxing, sugaring and threading, there are so many different methods of removing our body hair – each with their own pros and cons. IPL hair removal for women is one which has very few cons thanks to its quick results, long-lasting smoothness and affordability.
 
Below we take a look at the top 5 reasons why IPL is so popular and how it could benefit you: 
 

1.       It works for almost everything

A light-based laser treatment, IPL can be used to remove acne scars, ageing, rosacea, sun spots and improve skin texture as well as removing hair. It’s one of the best all-round treatments and works by using gentle wavelengths of light to breakdown the hair follicles and improve the structure of the skin. It’s 95% effective at long-term hair removal and has huge success rates at removing persistent acne scars, helping to boost the confidence levels of sufferers massively. 
 

2.       Effective and affordable

One of the best reasons to use IPL is because it works and it’s affordable. You can use a machine at home or visit a salon for a treatment, depending on which method you prefer. The benefits of getting a device at home mean you only have to pay for the device once and will be able to use it for years to come, whereas heading out to the salon means you’ll need to go for a few sessions.
If you choose to have IPL at home, in as little as just 3 treatments you’ll see results when using the Philips Lumea IPL hair removal device. Giving you smooth skin for up to six months, it gently and effectively removes hair and improves the appearance of the skin in just a few sessions. Not only does IPL remove hair quickly, but it also works to reduce skin problems in the same quick fashion meaning you don’t need to wait a long time to see results. 
 

3.       Sessions are quick

If you go to a salon for your treatment, expect each one to take between 15 and 30 minutes. Using a home device, it takes around the same time too. The speed of the sessions means you won’t need to spend hours having your IPL treatment to see results. You’ll also be able to squeeze them in around your busy schedule. You can go straight back to work after your treatment, you can even fit a session in on your lunch break.   
 

4.       Recovery is fast

With little to no recovery time at all, IPL hair removal for women is one of the best treatments out there. When compared to treatments like waxing which can leave your skin a little sore afterwards, IPL has very little aftercare involved and lasts for much longer than shaving or waxing. 
 

5.       No damage to the skin

IPL works without damaging the skin at all. In fact, it helps to stimulate the growth of collagen, leading to a plumper and youthful skin tone overall. As it doesn’t cause any visible marks, it means you can get back on with your daily life as soon as you’ve had a session. You can even reapply makeup over the top straight after having treatment if you wish.
 
With so many reasons to use IPL, why not consider it as an alternative to your usual hair removal treatment? With added benefits of improving the appearance of the skin and lasting for months longer than traditional hair removal methods, once you make the switch you’ll never look back. 
 
This content is sponsored by Philips.

Why Having Good Health Insurance Can Be Beneficial

Written by Hanna Sloan
The world is full of risks and uncertainties in everyday life, involving assets, businesses, families, and individuals. Sometimes the inevitable happens, leaving you exposed to various types of risks, including loss of properties, life, health, and personal assets. For many decades, people continue to purchase insurance policies to protect against such losses. Today, you can find insurance policies for medical care, hospitalization, vehicles, homes, critical illnesses, and disability.
insurance
While most insurance types are essential to provide overall protection, the focus in this article is on critical illness. Most people have medical coverage for wellness checkups and to visit a general physician. But, what they do not have is a critical illness insurance policy that protects them against financial distress in the event of a significant illness, such as cancer or heart disease. The insurance differs from a hospitalisation insurance plan and medical benefits plan. 
 
Because cancer continues to be on the rise internationally, the discussion is about the plans and the benefits of having a good insurance policy. First, let’s look at important information about people with cancerous diagnosis and the cancer types. A cancer society reports that 35 people receive diagnoses every day. It affects babies, women, men, adolescents, and children.
 

Statistics 

The number one common type of cancer in women is breast and in men is a lung. About 29.1 per cent of women had breast cancer, and approximately 17.2 per cent of the men had lung cancer. Of all the cancers, the breast is the leading type. Men have a higher rate of lung cancer compared to women, ranging at 13.4 per cent. 
 
The five most common types of cancers found in women, ranking number one to five, are breast, lung, colorectal, liver & intrahepatic bile ducts, and pancreas. In men, with the same ranking, the five most common are lung, colorectal, liver & intrahepatic bile ducts, prostate, and stomach. A reputed cancer society has plenty of information and resources to learn about cancer and how to reduce your risk.
 

List of Diseases under a Critical Illness Health Insurance Plan

  • Cancers
  • Severe Heart Attack
  • Stroke
  • Sudden Hearing Loss
  • Loss of Speech
  • Liver Disease
  • Kidney Disease
  • Lung Disease
 
The list above is a few of the diseases covered under a critical illness insurance plan. Cancer insurance Singapore differs from a hospitalization plan. Cancer insurance is a significant illness insurance plan type that protects family members and primary income earners against financial burden. Hospitalization and surgical plan only cover hospital bills. You don’t receive any benefits from time away from a job or funds to support your family.
 

About Cancer Insurance 

A cancer insurance policy is a critical insurance coverage plan type that provides you with financial protection if you happen to receive a cancer diagnosis. Some insurance companies will pay you a lump sum of money to cover your household expenses and basic needs while you recover. 
 

Types of Cancer Plans

  • Early Stage
  • Standard
 
The total amount of the insurer’s major illness defines the early stage plan, and the LIA (Life Insurance Association) explains the severe-stage of illness for a standard plan. Before purchasing a policy, consider the following factors below;
 
  • Coverage you need during the treatment and recovery stage. 
  • Most coverages have a minimum of five years or longer. The estimation is the time an average person needs to recuperate from cancer and return to work and make the necessary adjusts to a normal lifestyle.
  • Consider the premium payment term of the cancer plan. You will need to make a projection of the cost of the plans and select one that meets your needs financially. 
  • Insurers want to know the medical history of cancer in your family to access the likelihood of the disease recurring. 
  • Review cancer plans for waiting and survival periods. The benefits only take effect after a specified period passes since a diagnosis. A plan with a survival period pays if you can survive seven, 14, or 30 days after the diagnosis. Read the terms carefully before making a final decision.
 

Seven Benefits of Good Critical Illness Insurance Plans

  • Prevents financial stress if you lose your income.
  • Reasonable payout to cover financial needs not covered under a hospitalization plan.
  • Premium refunds.
  • Protection against income losses.
  • Support for immediate family members.
  • Maturity benefits.
  • Free health checkups.
 
Insurance will always have significance in everyday life for protecting against the loss of properties and health. Healthcare insurance is a coverage type comprising a variety of plans, including hospitalization, critical illnesses, and medical. Do some research before selecting a plan that meets the needs of you and your family. 

How to keep your camera equipment safe when travelling

Written by Hanna Sloan
When you've planned your trip and travelled halfway across the world in the hope of capturing some once in a lifetime shots, the last thing you want is to find your camera and photography equipment, lost, broken or even stolen. It's enough to ruin your entire trip!
 
You may be intending to take all your camera equipment with you on your travels or perhaps you’re only planning on bringing along your favourite camera and a couple of lenses - discover high end camera lenses here – either way, the safety of your expensive equipment is paramount. 
 
Unfortunately, having a camera can make you a target for thieves and pickpockets and carrying all those extra bags with you as you’re travelling means that in all the stress and hassle, one of them may get left behind... 
 
Wondering how to keep your camera equipment safe when travelling? Read on for some helpful tips. 
 

Keep tabs of all your equipment 

As someone with a real passion for photography, you may have accumulated quite a lot of equipment over the years, so when you decide to take certain pieces of your collection with you on your travels, you must keep an accurate record of what you have with you. Write down a list of everything you're taking and then if anything appears to have gone missing you'll know which lens or piece of equipment is unaccounted for. The last thing you want is to believe that one of your lenses has been stolen, for you to file a police report and then realise you actually never brought it with you. It's also a good idea to write down all the serial numbers of your equipment, just in case! 
 

Out in public

A keen photographer prefers to have their camera out in the open so they can grab it within seconds and start snapping. No one wants to faff around with bags and clips and fumble around in a bag only to find that they’ve missed their photo opportunity. Unfortunately, having your camera out all the time can make you a bit of a target, so it’s important to keep some basic safety tips in mind. If you're in a place that is renown for theft, only carry your camera around in public places and put it away when you're moving to somewhere new. Always be vigilant and have your camera on your front, rather than resting on your back. 
 

Downsize

Do you really need to take all that gear with you? If you’re planning on enjoying a city break then you can probably leave all your excessive equipment at home. Switch to a smaller, yet equally powerful camera and you can still get the shots you want, but not draw unwanted attention to yourself.

Ditch the logos

Oversized camera bags with famous logos and even branded camera straps. Opt for something plain and easy to miss in a crowd. You don’t need to flash your wealth.
 

Always keep your camera close

Don’t store your camera in the overhead compartments on the plane. On public transport, keep your equipment on your knee, not on the floor or on the seat next to you. Keep your camera close at all times.
 

Navigate Your Way to Select the Safest Car With These Tips

car
According to a survey of 2,000 American commuters revealed that the average person spends 19 8-hour workdays a year just driving in their car, which translates into a full 7 complete days per year, or 1/5 of an entire year over a decade just commuting. Routine errand and pleasure driving weren’t even included.
So you'd think that with practically a year of your life spent in a car, that safety would be a primary factor in how people choose a car, Yet according to JD Powers, while safety comes in third place as to why people buy a car officially, only about 37 per cent seriously take safety into consideration. 
 
Fortunately, that one-third minority, along with heavy pressure from the National Highway Safety Administration, which among other things, calculates Auto Safety Ratings for vehicles using front, side, and rollover crash data does, which means that automakers spend billions on new technology to make cars and trucks safer to drive.
 
Whereas the gold standard in the past was front airbags, electronic stability control, safety belts, and the LATCH child safety seat system, all required by law, technology has rapidly improved with many safety features still optional on most vehicles but available, here are some items to consider:
 
 #1. Forward Collision Warning 
 
A forward-collision warning (FCW) system is a safety technology that monitors a vehicle's speed, the speed of the vehicle in front of it, and the distance between the vehicles. 
 
If the trailing vehicle gets to close and a collision can possibly occur, a warning tone signals the driver to slow down. Insurance companies offering comprehensive car insurance sometimes give discounts for having such advanced safety features. 
 
 #2. Automatic Emergency Braking  
 
Automatic Emergency Braking is a technology where the car partially or fully applies the brakes in order to avoid a collision or to reduce the impact of a collision. Cars with both Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking reduced rear-end collisions, the most common type of accident, by 50 per cent.
 
 #3. Rear Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection 
 
Increasingly more common in vehicles, and often very important to families with young children, this system detects children, or vehicles immediately behind your vehicle and automatically applies the brakes to avoid a dangerous collision. 
 
 #4. Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assistance Technology  
 
Lane Departure Warning Systems uses a camera in order for the vehicle to detect when you are about to veer out of your lane and gives you a warning tone to alert you.
 
However, Lane Keeping Assistance goes one step further by actually helping to steer the car back into the lane. Some Lane Keeping Systems are more advanced than others, so it's important for drivers to know how they work and their limitations, but it is an important safety feature.
 
 #5. Side Air Bags 
 
22 per cent of all major deaths or substantial injuries occur from side collisions, so you would think the government would mandate side airbags as well as frontal airbags.
 
There are actually two types of side airbags: 
 
Torso airbags, which, as the name suggests, primarily protect the torso areas or Curtain Airbags. Here, the airbags drop from the ceiling and provide a protective curtain around the body. Important questions to ask when buying a car are the side airbags only designed to protect the torso, or do they also protect the head as well. 
 
Some automakers are bragging that their vehicles have 10 airbags in total, but that doesn't mean 10 is better than 8 if the latter has airbags that protect the torso and head simultaneously. 
 
 #6. Adaptive Cruise Control  
 
Adaptive Cruise Control, which has 20 distinct names by automotive manufacturers, is a technology system that the cruise control can automatically adjust the vehicle's speed in order to prevent a rear-end collision.
 
Adaptive Cruise Control is seen by many as a key to future smart vehicles that will essentially drive themselves, so advancements continue at a rapid pace in the automotive field. At present, Adaptive Cruise Control is merely an assist, but eventually, there will be no cars manufactured without it. 
 
Blind Spot Warning Systems  
 
Blind-spot warning systems, originally introduced by Volvo, a company that is as synonymous with safety as Ferrari is synonymous with fast cars have spread throughout the industry in the last few years. Some use a camera and a computer system to provide warning that a vehicle is in the blind spot of your vehicle, left or right, while others send out radar waves to accomplish the detection. 
 
Either way, it's a great stride in safety, and one you might consider.

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