Home & Lifestyle January 22 2026

DOWNSIZE WITHOUT COMPROMISE!

Kingfisher Grove, a Keyton retirement community nestled beside Wianamatta Regional Park in Jordan Springs, is buzzing with excitement as new residents settle into the recently completed Banksia and Coolabah Apartments. They’re joining a vibrant village with over 120 residents where friendships are already flourishing and life feels full. This milestone is more than the addition of homes, it’s about growing connections and enriching an already lively community.

Kingfisher Grove’s heart lies in its welcoming spirit and

exceptional amenities. At its centre is the Clubhouse, a lively hub designed for connection and wellbeing. Residents enjoy a heated indoor pool, cinema, gym, bar, dining room, outdoor terrace and BBQ area. From morning gym sessions to movie nights and casual coffee catch-ups, the Clubhouse is where the community thrives.

A strong social and activity calendar ensures there’s always something to look forward to, with activities like the walking group, Poker nights, Sunday Happy Hour, Ladies Craft group and Aqua Aerobics. It’s where

neighbours become friends and every day offers an opportunity to belong.

Greg and Deborah, who moved into their new apartment in early December, couldn’t be happier.

“Since moving into Kingfisher Grove, we’ve settled in well and are enjoying our new lifestyle. Greg has started playing bowls again after a back operation and is looking forward to joining the new men’s workshop. We love that there’s no more home maintenance to worry about. We’ve met new people at Sunday drinks and started using the pool. The people here are so friendly – it’s

very relaxing in these beautiful, quiet surrounds.”

The new apartments, available in spacious two- and three-bedroom layouts, have been thoughtfully designed with comfort, accessibility and lifestyle in mind. Wide doorways, step free entries and high-quality finishes create homes that are both beautiful and practical. A calming, neutral palette complements the natural surroundings, offering a peaceful retreat with views of the park and nearby lake.

“THE PEOPLE HERE ARE SO FRIENDLY”

As new neighbours settle in during January and February, there’s still time to secure your place at Kingfisher Grove. These architecturally designed apartments offer a rare chance to downsize without compromise and become part of a community where life feels full. Step inside our display apartments and see for yourself the quality, comfort and care that define Kingfisher Grove.

With nature on the doorstep, shops across the road and a community that feels like family, Kingfisher Grove offers a lifestyle that balances independence with connection. It’s a place where happiness grows every day, in every shared moment.

To join the Open Day on Thursday, February 12, find out more by calling 1800 550 550 or visit kingfishergrove.com.au

Discover exclusive townhome

living in Oran Pa rk .

Inviting you to enjoy the best of both worlds, Oran Park townhomes combine the space of a house with a back yard and the low-maintenance qualities of apar tment living

You can choose from an exceptional selection of architecturally designed townhomes located near all the town’s popular amenities and most loved at tractions.

Ideal for growing families, downsizers and couples, these distinctive residences of fer excellent value-for-money.

• Spacious, designer interiors

• Landscaped grounds

• Two to five-bedroom layouts

• Private porches and cour tyards

• Family-friendly living areas

• Premium finishes and inclusions

• Tranquil locations

Ready for you to move in, these elegant townhomes are curated for comfor t and practicality. A beautiful lifest yle in one of Au stralia’s fastest growing suburbs awaits.

LUXURY AND RELAXATION

What is so great about this property?

A unique lifestyle property on nearly an acre of park-like grounds, featuring a character-filled federation-style home, expansive shed and office, dual street access, and versatile spaces for living, working, or generating income.

Who does this property suit? Ideal for families, home-based business owners, creatives, or those seeking extended family living, extra space, and flexible income or lifestyle opportunities in a peaceful setting.

Tell us more about the suburb this property is in?

Set in the tranquil and highly desirable village of Kurrajong, known for its quiet streets, scenic surroundings and strong community feel, offering a peaceful lifestyle within easy reach of local amenities and the Hawkesbury region.

WHAT EXACTLY IS “NORMAL”? HEALTH

There’s no shortage of nutrition advice online, but how do you separate fact from noise? One question I hear constantly from people in clinic and on our ‘What the Health?’ podcast is: What does “normal eating” actually look like? It’s a simple question with a surprisingly complex answer, largely because our culture has taught us to overthink every bite we take.

Normal eating isn’t a strict meal plan, a perfect diet, or a specific set of “good” and “bad” foods. In fact, trying to follow rigid rules around food is often what leads people away from a healthy relationship with eating in the first place.

At its heart, normal eating is flexible and responsive. It’s about nourishing your body regularly throughout the day, including a variety of foods without guilt or judgement, and honouring hunger and fullness in a way that works for you. This includes eating when you’re

hungry, and eating even when hunger cues aren’t obvious, because sometimes life, stress, medications or busy days can affect how we experience hunger.

Importantly, normal eating also allows for enjoyment, spontaneity and social connection.

Food isn’t just fuel, it’s part

of celebrations, traditions, shared moments with friends and fuel for your body. A flexible approach means you can enjoy that birthday cake, a takeaway dinner with friends, or a family BBQ without guilt, and still meet your body’s needs.

Rather than aiming for

The Experts

LAUREN DAVIDSON

OnePointHealth 4732 5188

perfection, we encourage building a supportive “scaffold” – regular meals and balanced plates, that gives your body what it needs without trapping you in rigid rules.

This helps reduce stress around eating and rebuilds trust in your body’s own signals.

If food feels stressful, confusingoroverlycontrolled, you’renotalone,anditispossible to redefine what eating normally looks like for you. Catch our episode on ‘What Is Normal Eating?’ on Spotify orYouTubethroughthe‘What the Health?’ podcast, where Emma and I explore this topic in more depth and help you reclaimconfidencewithfood.

SWIMMING AND KEEPING FIT

With lots of us going back to work this week, it’s time to get back into good routines, and for many, back to regular exercise to combat the after effects of the festive celebrations! Water exercise is a perfect place to start for many of us.

Regular exercise is incredibly important for both physical and mental health and wellbeing, but running, going to the gym or group sport isn’t for everyone, particularly if you have mobility issues of any type. Water is 15 times more resistant than air, so many people use water resistance training when injured to maintain their cardiovascular fitness with less impact and stress on joints, bones and muscles

due to the buoyancy of water. The support provided by the water also makes it an ideal environment for post workout recovery and stretching, and provides relief for sufferers of many health conditions including arthritis, back pain, heart disease, obesity, fibromyalgia, or multiple sclerosis.

Aquarobics is not just for seniors as it has sometimes been perceived and can be a highly challenging and effective workout. Aquatic exercise is one of the most effective ways to train whilst putting less stress on the body and increasing your range of motion, regardless of your age, gender or fitness level!

We offer a range of classes for all fitness levels, including gentle classes for seniors or rehab, and options for pre and post natal women, with a group of fun and friendly instructors.

If you prefer a solo workout, lap swimming is the ultimate all-in-one exercise, working most muscles in the body with every stroke,

increasing flexibility and muscle endurance. Muscles are strengthened and toned as a result of water resistance, core strength is improved, and the nature of breathing whilst swimming promotes greater lung capacity.

We also offer squad swimming, or Kids Swim 4 Fitness as an alternative for children and teenagers who like to swim purely for fitness, without the training schedule and competitive aspect that comes with squads.

Joining a local swim club is a great way to swim to swim, race and socialise with other fans of swimming, and membership is open to both competitive and social swimmers.

BACK TO SCHOOL – FOR PUPPIES TOO!

With children heading back to the classroom, it’s the perfect time to think about schooling for another important family member – your puppy. Just as early education helps set children up for success, puppy training lays the foundation for a confident, well-adjusted adult dog.

Our Puppy School classes provide a safe, structured environment where puppies can socialise with other dogs of a similar age while learning essential life skills. These classes are carefully designed to support your puppy’s emotional and behavioural development, while also giving owners the knowledge and confidence to guide their puppy through these formative months.

Led by our trained instructors, Puppy School covers a wide range of practical topics including socialisation, dog communication, veterinary and pet care, child and dog safety, and how

to manage and troubleshoot undesirable behaviours. Over a five-week period, you and your puppy will gain hands-on experience and practical information that will set you both on the path to long-term success.

Our Puppy Pre-School classes are specifically designed for puppies aged eight to 14 weeks. This is a critical developmental period in a dog’s life, where experiences – both positive and negative – can have a lasting impact.

Using positive reinforcement techniques, puppies quickly learn that training is fun and that good behaviour is rewarded, creating a strong foundation for future learning.

Before six months of age, puppies are naturally curious and more accepting of new situations. This is when they begin exploring the world around them and learning how to cope with unfamiliar or slightly scary experiences. It’s the perfect time to introduce your puppy to the “big wide human world” – from funny

sights like cars, bicycles, balloons and hats, to unfamiliar sounds such as thunder, lawn mowers and vacuum cleaners, and even new smells including foods, perfumes and cleaning products.

Puppy School also teaches puppies about each other – that dogs come in all shapes and sizes, with short legs, long tails, floppy ears and everything in between. Missing this important window of opportunity can, for some dogs, lead to fear and anxiety later in life.

While ongoing exposure

remains important, this early period is often considered the most influential.

Our puppy classes aim to give owners realistic expectations by helping them understand natural puppy behaviour.

The program equips you with the tools to build a strong, positive relationship with your puppy, allowing them to grow into a confident and valued member of the family.

For more information, contact our friendly team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027.

Relax & Unwind

JOANNE

MADELINE MOORE

Boho Astro

@JoMadelineMoore

© Joanne Madeline Moore 2025

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

There are five planets transiting through your sign. The Sun increases creativity, Mercury boosts communication, Venus invites consultation, Mars encourages being proactive and Pluto improves focus. So use these planetary powers to supercharge a personal project that’s been languishing in the wings. Your motto is from Oprah Winfrey, who turns 72 on Thursday, “You are different, your gift is special – own it and unapologetically share it with the world.”

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

You’ll be in the public eye as the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Mars and Pluto all stimulate your reputation/career zone. So you could shine at work, at school or in a volunteer position. When it comes to your job, do you need to up-skill? Are you looking for employment or is it time to change vocation? The winds of change are blowing so prepare to pivot, Bulls! And with Neptune moving back into your solitude and spirituality zone, it’s also time to dream.

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

This week the planetary focus is on love, marriage, platonic relationships, a joint venture or a business partnership as you communicate and cooperate with family, friends and/or work colleagues. When making future plans, put others first (for a change). With Neptune transiting back into your adventure and aspirations zone (until 2038) start visualising (and planning) a heavenly holiday, a spiritual odyssey or a glamorous adventure sometime in the next few years.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

Five planets shine a bright spotlight on your domestic zone. The Sun and Mercury boost communication and lively conversation, especially with family members and/or housemates. Peacemaker Venus encourages you to patch up a troubled relationship with a relative, as you demonstrate endless patience and hold out the olive branch of peace. Plus Mars and Pluto demand that your voice is heard amongst the competing voices, in a firm but fair way.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

This week Neptune (your patron planet) transits back into dynamic Aries – where it stays until 2038! So it’s time to become a more daring, dynamic, fiery Fish as you display confidence, initiate projects and spend more time living in the present. It’s also important to take off your rose-coloured glasses and be more realistic about money matters. If your finances need fixing, then be proactive and do something about it. Plan to have fun with a friend on the weekend.

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

Travel, communication and education are all highlighted this week as you embark on a trip, connect with friends (especially from foreign shores) or start a new course of study. With Neptune back in your hopes and wishes zone, it’s also time to dream big dreams and visualise magical things coming true in the future. Your motto is from Oprah Winfrey (who turns 72 on Thursday), “The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.”

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

Get your body moving in 2026! The Sun, Mercury, Venus, Mars and Pluto highlight your health and wellbeing zone, so strive to be the fittest and most vibrant Virgo you can be. Reinvention is the name of the game, as the planets encourage you to reboot your daily routine with innovation and determination. The best way to manage stress is with relaxing indoor pursuits (like meditation or yoga) and vigorous outdoor activities (like running, cycling or hiking).

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

The planets inspire you to contribute your versatile talents to a worthy cause within your local community. Plus Jupiter is jumping through your intimacy and manifestation zone, which is terrific for romantic and platonic relationships as your humour and generosity charm the birds out of the trees. Be brave, dream big dreams, ask for what you want, and you shall receive! Be inspired by birthday great Oprah Winfrey, “You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.”

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

This week Neptune transits back into Aries, plus five planets light up your peer group and networking zone. So you could meet a fabulous new friend or a work colleague from the past could boomerang back into your world! Whatever happens, aim to surround yourself with positive people who encourage your talents and support your dreams. As birthday great Oprah Winfrey observes, “Surround yourself with people who are going to lift you higher.”

CANCER

22 TO JULY 22

Crabs are sentimental creatures and you can spend too much time in the past. Resist the urge to brood over a relationship gone wrong. This week’s stars help heal your hurt feelings so you can finally let go and move on. The planets also signal a major shift in the areas of intimacy or money. Perhaps a passionate new affair or the start of a promising financial partnership? With Neptune moving back into your career zone, be more creative and intuitive at work.

LIBRA

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

This week the Sun, Mercury, Pluto and Venus (your power planet) all activate your creativity and good fortune zone. So it’s time to connect with your inner child, express yourself, and make the most of any fortuitous opportunities that come along. Plus – with diligent Saturn visiting your daily routine zone – work hard. Your motto for the moment is from Oprah Winfrey (who turns 72 on Thursday), “Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity.”

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

With five planets stimulating your cash zone, take stock of your financial situation and initiate some smart strategies. And don’t forget to do an inventory of your inner wealth, which includes your self-esteem and core values. Remember – you are more than your job, what you earn and what you own. Positivity-planet Jupiter is jumping though your partnership zone until June 30. So – the more generous and optimistic you are – the better your relationships will be.

65.

72.

74.

76.

Word Search

Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or even diagonally.

SNAKES TORAH

Last week’s solution

Test your knowledge about Australia in this week’s special trivia quiz...

What year did the first fleet arrive in Australia?

What is the name of the world’s biggest coral reef?

What is the name of the massive rock formation in the Northern Territory? 7. Which ocean is on Australia’s east coast?

What Australian animal is

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.

COLOUR ME PENRITH!

A RITE OF PASSAGE STILL

It was January 30 last year and I was feeling a little down. Over the past five years, I had asked some of my friends if they were interested in doing a trip to Scotland and Ireland. A few of them said yes but later said it wasn’t something that they wanted to commit to. After this happened a few times, I began to feel like I would never make the trip because I had no one to go with. But on Thursday, January 30 2025, something happened. I spontaneously paid a deposit for a Contiki tour through Scotland and Ireland, and I decided I would make the trip by myself.

Once the thrill of booking my first solo overseas trip died down, I must admit I began to feel some nerves. This is pretty normal for anyone who is deciding to travel solo. I had nerves about the small things like, ‘What if I don’t make friends?’ or ‘If I don’t drink will I be forced to?’, so I am here to answer all things solo travelling on Contiki to encourage you to take the leap and book a trip.

“I CANNOT RECOMMEND SOLO TRAVEL ENOUGH AND I THINK EVERYONE NEEDS TO EXPERIENCE IT”

What is Contiki? They are a global tour company that offer organised group trips for people aged between 18 and 35-years-old that handle all transport, accommodation and activities. Once you arrive at the beginning everything is sorted for you (well, the only decision you will need to make is what restaurant to go

to for dinner a few nights). For solo travellers, I think this is a great option as you have a safety net to fall back on when travelling through foreign countries. What are the activities like? When you book a Contiki tour they send you a thorough itinerary of what will be happening each day on the trip. This outlines all included activities that are part of the cost of the trip meaning you do not have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses. On my trip some of the included activities were a cruise across Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands, entry into Blarney Castle and a guided walking tour through Belfast. The rest of the activities are called ‘Free Time Add Ons’ (FTAs), which are not included in the price of the Contiki, and you will have to pay an additional fee. Before the trip this really wasn’t something I knew much about, which was my own fault, so I got an expensive surprise when the bill for my FTAs came. I did all the extra activities, and my additional bill came out to nearly $1,000 AUD. Make sure you budget for this before you leave because, as my Trip Manager said, “It is more expensive to come back to the country than do the activity now”. You don’t want to regret not doing something on the trip, so make sure you budget additional money. Some of my FTAs included the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery, exploring the island of Inishmore, a traditional Scottish and Irish evening and doing a

bike tour through Kilkenny.

How social is the trip? I was nervous ahead of the trip as a solo traveller because I was worried I wouldn’t be able to make friends. In hindsight this was a silly concern. I ended up making friends within the first five minutes of meeting everyone. You end up spending so much time with the people on your trip that you become a large family and will always have someone around to do something with. The other thing I was worried about was the drinking aspect of the trip. I was concerned because, as I have gotten a little older, I stopped drinking as much as I used too. I will say, there was a lot of drinking and going out but there was never any pressure at all to drink or to go out if it wasn’t something you wanted to do. Most of the travellers just want to have a good time with everyone.

How do you travel around? Most of your time between stops will be spent on a coach. You will form a strange sort of connection with the coach and be sad to see it go on the last day. We also got a ferry between Scotland and Ireland, and other trips will use flights to go between countries. All of this will be organised by your Trip Manager and is paid for prior to the start of the trip.

Is it expensive? Any overseas trip will be expensive, but I think a Contiki is a good way to go. There are ways to make the trip cheaper,

GOING STRONG

but it depends on the traveller. For example, I spent more money on booking a solo room. It is nearly $1,000 cheaper if you are happy to share a room with another traveller on the trip. Travellers can choose not to do all the FTAs, which will save a chunk of money. In the end, make decisions based on your own budget and desires and you will have a great time.

Should I do the Scotland and Ireland Contiki? If you are like me and are amazed by the history, architecture and landscape of Scotland and Ireland than doing a Contiki was the perfect way to do the trip.

I was able to see 17 cities including Edinburgh, Glasgow, the Scottish Highlands, Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny and Belfast over 13 days. On my own I don’t think I would have been able

to see so much. There was a moment when we were doing the cruise across Loch Ness where I thought to myself, ‘is this real life?’. That moment has made me recommend the trip to everyone!

Should I book one? 1000 per cent yes! I cannot recommend solo travel enough and I think every person in their 20s needs to experience it. Bite the bullet and book your trip now!

Maddie’s Meals

Thick American Cookies

What you’ll need:

– Mixing bowl

– Spatula or mixing spoon

– Measuring cups

– Electric mixer (handheld)

Ingredients:

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)

– 3/4 cup brown sugar

– 1/4 cup white sugar

– 1 large egg

– 1tsp vanilla extract

– 2 cups plain flour

– 1/2 tsp salt

– 1/2 tsp baking powder

– 3/4 cup chocolate chips

Optional:

– 3/4 cup pretzels

– 3/4 cup dark chocolate (or any other kind you like!)

Method:

1. Line a large baking tray with baking paper.

2. Cream (mix until smooth) butter and sugars with the electric mixer.

3. Add vanilla and egg and mix until combined.

4. Add the flour, baking powder and salt. Mix with spatula until combined. The mixture may become crumbly – add a dash of milk if not combining.

5. Add chocolate chips and mix through with hands until combined.

6. Divide the dough into small balls and place onto baking sheet with

roughly 5cm between each cookie.

7. Chill cookies for 30 mins. During this time, preheat oven to 180°.

8. Once preheated, bake cookies for 18 minutes or until golden.

9. Enjoy!