Home & Lifestyle February 5 2026

ROBOT VACUUMS: ARE THEY WORTH THE COST?

The type of vacuum you have in your house is likely reflective of the stage of life you're in.

When you've just moved out of home and in your budget-conscious 20s, a $39 vacuum from K-mart likely does the job.

Get a partner, become a bit more house proud and suddenly it’s a couple of hundred dollars being spent on a vacuum from a specialist store or higher end department outlet.

Get dogs and kids and suddenly you’re scoping out the special

features of vacuums, becoming invested in the power and maintenance levels and spending the equivalent of an international flight.

Having entered my early 40s, I’m now in the next phase: the robot vacuum.

For the past few months I've been road testing (or is that floor testing?) the DEEBOT N30 PRO OMNI from Ecovacs.

Retailing at $1899, exclusively at JB Hi-Fi, this is no cheap household accessory. So does it stack up to its expensive price tag?

There is no doubt this is a game changing vacuum.

“IT IS NOW A PERMANENT FIXTURE IN OUR HOUSEHOLD”

Game changing because it’s taken out a regular household chore. With a four-year-old commanding the household at present, there’s always ‘bits’ on the floors – crumbs, random paper off-cuts, sand, dirt... the list goes on. Vacuuming had become almost a daily task.

But with the DEEBOT N30 PRO OMNI, the work gets done for me. I set the auto-schedule to run every weekday at 11am, which means the vacuuming happens when I’m not at home. There’s something rather comforting, even elite, about getting a notification on your phone that vacuuming has started – and then finished – without you lifting a finger.

The result is a clean floor every day upon arriving home. I started with the mop and vacuum function every day, given we have largely hard floors in the main

living areas with carpet in the bedrooms, but as time has gone on I’m sticking with vacuum only most of the time and using the mop function once a week. You can set different scenarios and maps, so you’re pretty much unlimited in terms of how you clean and how often.

Setup was reasonably easy, although I admit I did have to go through it twice as it forgot everything from the first setup. A small hiccup.

The TruEdge Adaptive Edge Mopping system provides precise edge cleaning, while the OZMO Turbo 2.0 system removes stains and revitalises floors. With 10,000Pa suction and 9mm Autolift Mopping, it seamlessly adapts to different surfaces, lifting the mop when carpet is detected to avoid cross-contamination.

Now it’s important to note a couple of things. Having a robot do the vacuuming for you does not mean you can put your feet up and leave your vacuum to look after itself.

Maintenance is still required – and at times, it can be a little needy. But the odd issue with one of the mopping pads or a tangle here and there that needs to be sorted is far less work than doing the vacuuming yourself.

And when you clean that dirty water tank out about once a week, you’ll realise just what a great job it is doing.

The DEEBOT N30 PRO OMNI is no flippant investment. But it is now a permanent fixture in our household and after a couple of months I’m convinced I’d never go back. To top everything off, the station and overall unit looks pretty slick – so it doesn't look out of place at all in your lounge room. In fact, it's quite the flex. Visit www.ecovacs.com/au/ deebot-robotic-vacuum-cleaner/ deebot-n30-omni. – Troy Dodds

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Tell us more about the suburb this property is in?

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tioned within walking distance of Nepean Hospital, local shops, cafés and parks. You couldn’t ask for more!

The Experts

Nepean Aquatic Centre & Eva Bory’s Swim School 4730 8900

WHY PRIORITISE LEARN TO SWIM CLASSES?

With children back to school this week I wanted to remind parents of all the benefits of Learn To Swim, and why swimming lessons should be a non negotiable part of your child’s weekly routine! It is so important to swim all year round, alongside any other sports and activities in our busy family schedules. Learning to swim is an activity that offers numerous benefits for children beyond simply staying safe in water. From physical health to mental well-being, swimming provides a holistic approach to a child’s development in a way that no other sport or activity can match.

The most obvious and most important benefit of learning to swim is water safety. Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death in children of all ages, with a high number of non drowning immersion incidents causing life long injuries, and teaching kids how to swim reduces the risk significantly.

STRENGTH FOR YOUTH

I’m excited to be launching Youth Strength and Conditioning sessions at OnePointHealth from February, designed to help junior athletes build strength, speed and confidence in a safe and structured environment.

These sessions are a great opportunity for young athletes to enhance performance, learn new skills, and reduce their risk of injury, regardless of their sporting background or experience level. My focus is always on teaching athletes how to move well first, building strong foundations that support long-term athletic development and lifelong fitness habits.

I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wide range of sporting clubs and organisations, including Penrith Panthers and the NSW Institute of Sport, helping young athletes improve their performance through structured, age-appropriate strength and conditioning programs. I bring this experience into every session,

ensuring training is engaging, safe, and tailored to the needs of youth athletes.

The program includes both on-field speed and agility sessions and gym-based strength training, giving athletes a well-rounded approach to their development.

The speed and agility sessions are designed to develop efficient sprint mechanics, explosive acceleration, and effective change of direction. I coach key running fundamentals such as posture, arm action, foot placement, braking and body control to ensure skills transfer directly to sport. These sessions help athletes improve agility, reaction time, coordination and

Knowing how to float, tread water, and perform basic strokes can save lives in emergency situations. Moreover, understanding water safety rules instils confidence and promotes responsible behaviour around water.

Swimming is an excellent form of exercise that engages the entire body, improving cardiovascular health, strengthening muscles, and enhancing flexibility. Swimming is low-impact, making it suitable for children of all ages and fitness levels, and regular swimming sessions can help combat childhood obesity and promote a healthy lifestyle from an early age. Swimming also has therapeutic effects on children’s mental health and emotional well-being. The soothing nature of water calms their minds and reduces stress and anxiety. Swimming releases endorphins and also provides an outlet for pent-up energy and emotions, helping children regulate their emotions more effectively. Plus, swimming lessons provide

HEALTH

The Experts

HANNAH NORRIE One Point Health 4732 5188

confidence, while learning how to move quickly and safely on the field.

The gym-based sessions focus on developing full-body strength while teaching correct lifting and movement technique. Through coached strength exercises and controlled explosive movements, athletes learn how to train safely, build confidence in the gym, and understand how proper technique enhances performance and reduces injury risk. My goal is to help young athletes move better, train smarter and perform with confidence.

For more information contact OnePointHealth on 4732 5188 or visit our website.

opportunities for children to socialise and make new friends! Learning to swim empowers children and boosts their self-confidence. Overcoming the initial fear of water and mastering new skills gives them a sense of achievement. As children progress in their swimming abilities, they gain confidence not only in the pool but also in other areas of their lives. This newfound confidence can translate into improved social interactions, academic performance, and overall well-being! Learn to Swim lessons are often a child’s very first structured activity. Swimming is a life skill that opens up a world of opportunities for children. It enables them to participate in water-based activities such as snorkelling, surfing, and kayaking. Strong swimming skills can lead to future endeavours such as lifeguarding, competitive swimming, or even careers in aquatic sports – we have lots of junior employees whose first job is with us!

By introducing kids to swimming at an early age and allowing children to consistently swim all year round, parents provide their children with a foundation for a healthy and fulfilling life both in and out of the water. On the flip side, a break from lessons often leads to skill regression, undoing some of the progress made prior to time out of the water. I encourage everyone to make swimming lessons a non negotiable part of your child’s weekly routine.

ARE YOU BACK AT WORK? PET HEALTH

As the festive season fades and work routines return to normal, many households are feeling the shift – and so are our pets. After weeks of extra company, late mornings and constant activity, being home alone again can be a big adjustment. For some pets, this change can lead to boredom, restlessness or even mild separation stress. The good news? A little planning goes a long way in keeping them happy while you’re at work.

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise, especially during long days at home. Puzzle feeders, slow feeders and treat-dispensing toys encourage natural problem-solving and foraging behaviours. They keep curious minds occupied, slow down fast eaters and turn mealtimes into engaging activities rather than something that’s over in seconds. Rotating different puzzle toys helps maintain novelty and interest.

Sometimes entertainment is as simple as a good view. Creating a cosy spot near a window allows pets to watch birds, people and passing cars. Cats, in particular, love this kind of enrichment, but many dogs also enjoy observing the world outside. Make sure the space is safe, shaded and comfortable so they can relax while they watch.

Toy rotation is another easy but effective strategy. When all toys are always available, they quickly lose their appeal. By packing some away and swapping them every few days, old favourites feel new again. A variety of soft toys, chew toys and interactive options caters to different moods and preferences. For pets who find silence unsettling, gentle background noise can help. Leaving the radio or television on at a low volume may provide comfort, mask sudden outside noises and make the home feel less empty. Calm music or talk-back programs

GAMES FROM THE PAST

Last week, I showed you a web-based version of Windows 98 games. It ran in a browser. It was easy to use and had about 50 great older games. For those who missed the article, to get started, visit https://emupedia.net/beta/emuos/.

are usually better than loud or unpredictable sounds.

One of the most powerful tools for a settled day is a good start to the morning.

A walk, play session or short training routine before work helps burn off energy and encourages rest during the day. Mental activities such as scent games or basic training can be just as tiring as physical exercise.

Routine and familiarity matter more than we often realise. Consistent feeding times, predictable mornings and comfortable resting spaces help pets feel secure. Favourite beds, blankets and familiar smells all contribute to a sense of safety.

This week, I will talk about how to download and install eXoWin9x. eXoWin9x is basically a ready-to-use library of 662 classic Windows 95 and 98 games from the early years of 32-bit gaming, covering 1994 to 1996.

This package is a lot of fun, with almost 700 high-quality games and thousands of hours of retro gaming. Just click on a game, and the

software starts up a Windows 98 virtual machine using emulators, loads the operating system, and takes you straight into the game. The collection features big names like Command & Conquer, Diablo, SimCity 2000, and Myst, along with many lesser-known games from the early CD-ROM days.

Now, trying to play those classic 90s games on a modern PC can be a real challenge.

That’s where eXoWin9x comes in. This new digital preservation project makes it simple to play hundreds of vintage Windows games with just one click.

The eXoWin9x package is huge, with the full bundle taking up about 260GB.

These are some key features:

• 662 pre-configured games from 1994–1996.

• One-click launching of the games.

• Completely portable setup that makes no changes to your own computer.

• Virtual Hard Drive (VHD) system that uses a single “parent” Windows 9x

installation with small “child” images unique to each game.

• Extensive extras, including manuals, soundtracks, strategy guides, box art, trailers, and hint files.

• Multiplayer support allows online play with anyone else running the collection. You can get the bundle straight from the project’s website https://www.retroexo.com/win9x.html.

There, you’ll find a torrent link to download the full 262GB archive. Because the bundle is so large, a torrent is the only way to download it. To do this, you need to install a BitTorrent client. More on this in a future column.

Relax & Unwind

JOANNE

MADELINE MOORE

Boho Astro

@JoMadelineMoore

© Joanne Madeline Moore 2026

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

Prepare for some substantial changes in your local community, as serious Saturn moves through your neighbourhood zone for the next two years. Work out ways that you can make a contribution that will be meaningful and have a long-lasting effect. And look for local people who share your interests, values and goals. It’s also a suitable time to take on the responsibility of serious, longterm study. The weekend is a good time to relax, rewind and rejuvenate.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

Saturn (the planet of work, self-improvement and wisdom) shifts into your self-reflection zone. So, over the next two years, do your best to consolidate your strengths and work on your weaknesses. As Saturn and Neptune both deepen your humanitarian and spiritual perspectives, some Bulls will become involved with volunteer work while others embrace yoga, meditation, religion and/or metaphysical study. It’s a good time to go on an adventure.

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

Stop being a listless Lion and get cracking Cats! On Saturday, ambitious Saturn transits into your aspirations zone (where it stays until 2028). So it’s time to be confident, creative and determined, as you dream big dreams for the future – and then make them happen by being proactive and making smart choices. Your motivational mantra for the moment is from fellow Leo, actress Helen Mirren, “You write your life story by the choices you make.”

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

Are you a Scorpio who has lost your pep? Have you been feeling run-down and lacking energy? Saturn transits through your well-being zone (until 2028) so the next two years is the time to focus on your physical and mental health. Discipline, determination, patience and gradual progress will get you where you want to go, as you restructure your daily routine so it includes more nutritious food, a sustainable exercise program and a regular form of relaxation.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

With penny-pinching Saturn transiting through your money zone (until 2028) expect extra expenses and financial responsibilities over the next two years. Which will teach you some valuable lessons about being financially organised, responsible and frugal. Spontaneous spending sprees are definitely not recommended! The Moon is visiting your peer group zone on the weekend, so it’s a wonderful time to catch up with old friends and new acquaintances.

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

With responsible Saturn transiting through your hopes and wishes zone for the next two years, you need to get serious about your future plans. It’s time to dream an ambitious dream … and then put in the hard work and discipline required to make it happen. Plus do your best to replace restlessness with patience and short-term schemes with longterm resilience. Mystery and intrigue surround you on the weekend – but can you be trusted to keep a secret?

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

Serious Saturn transits into your intrigue and secrets zone, which is good for all types of study, research and detailed detective work. And this week you’ve also got four planets (the Sun, Venus, Mars and Pluto) moving through your job zone. So don’t be shy and overly modest Virgo - it’s your time to shine at work! The weekend is all about leisure, entertainment, sport and hobbies, as you share the good times with family members and/or close friends.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

Over the next two years, Saturn visits your love, romance, children and friendship zone. These relationships should strengthen and solidify, but there could also be some challenges and extra responsibilities placed on your broad Sagittarian shoulders. And you may decide to give a false friend the flick. So your motto is from birthday great, author and activist Alice Walker, “No person is your friend who demands your silence or denies your right to grow.”

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

Taskmaster Saturn transits back into your sign (on Saturday) where it stays until 2028. Which could bring more stability into your life – and more challenges. You’ll find the more disciplined, responsible and self-reliant you are, the smoother the transition will be. Your motto for the moment is from fellow Aries, movie icon Bette Davis, “The key to life is accepting challenges.” The weekend favours catching up with old acquaintances and/or current friends.

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

Saturn shifts into your career zone, so get serious about your professional ambitions. It also bodes well for a promotion, better job or professional break over the next two years, as long as you are patient, persistent and thoroughly prepared. If you’ve taken short cuts or have been working below par, then there could be some challenges along the way. With the Moon transiting through your relationship zone, the weekend is all about love, connection and companionship.

LIBRA

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Saturn shifts into your partnership zone, so – sometime over the next two years – you could end a relationship that’s no longer working. With Neptune also in your partnership zone, aim to be more generous towards loved ones and try to view a troubled relationship from a more compassionate perspective. Are you looking for love? You could be attracted to someone much older, or a long-term friendship could gradually develop into a serious romance.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Saturn (your ruler) transits into your domestic zone. So there are plenty of professional and DIY jobs that need to be done around the home as things wear out (or break down) and need to be fixed. Also – over the next two years - you could become more interested in your personal history, your family tree and the lives of your ancestors. Be inspired by fellow Capricorn, singer/writer Patti Smith, “Family means putting your arms around each other and being there.”

Word Search

PENRITH

THORNTON

JAMISON

RUGBY

Last

Trivia Quiz

Test your knowledge about the Winter Olympics in this week’s special trivia quiz...

1. Where are the 2026 Winter Olympics being held?

2. When do the 2026 Winter Olympics begin?

3. What sport will be debuting at the 2026 Winter Olympics?

4. Where will the opening ceremony be held?

5. Who will perform at the opening ceremony?

6. How many medal events will be included in the games?

7. How many countries have qualified athletes participating in the games?

8. What is the mascot of the 2026 Winter Olympics?

9. In Australia, what free-to-air TV network is broadcasting the Games?

How to beat Str8ts –

Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.

Maddie’s Meals

& Spinach Lasagne Mushroom, Ricotta

This lasagne is great to pull out for a No-Meat Monday, or just when you feel like indulging in creamy ricotta.

What You'll Need:

– Large oven safe dish

– Mixing bowl

– Pan (for wilting spinach)

– Pot (for boiling pasta)

– Foil

Ingredients:

– Lasagne sheets

– 500g Ricotta cheese

– Roughly 60g Spinach

– 2-3 cups Mushrooms

– 1 jar tomato pasta sauce

– 2 eggs

– Spices (I use salt, black pepper, white pepper, paprika, onion powder and garlic powder)

– 1-2 cups shredded cheese

Method:

1. Start by roughly chopping spinach and adding to a pan with water to wilt it.

2. While the spinach is wilting, slice mushrooms and set aside. Begin boiling a pot of water and preheat oven to 200°C.

3. Once spinach is wilted, take it off the heat and drain as much water as possible out of it. Set aside.

4. In a mixing bowl, mix together ricotta, spinach, eggs and spices. Mix well until combined and set aside.

5. Once water is boiling, place lasagne sheets in one at a time for 30-60 seconds each.

This will ensure they soften during cooking.

6. Once pasta is softened, spread some tomato sauce on the bottom of the dish. Then layer pasta, ricotta mixture, pasta, mushrooms, sauce, and repeat until ingredients are used or you run out of space.

7. Sprinkle cheese over the top and cover with foil, cooking for 40 minutes. If the pasta is not softened, cook for a further 5-10 minutes.

8. Once pasta is soft and cheese is melted, cut and serve!