Author: Susan Gregory

The Four Things You Need to Know About Allergies

by Susan Gregory, posted in Health, Lifestyle

Allergies and anaphylaxis continue to be a growing problem in Australia. According to research, more than four million Australians suffer from a form of allergic disease, and that number continues to rise every year. With such common prevalence, it’s very important to learn these four things about allergies and what you can do to treat them. Here’s everything you need to know about allergies.

 

What causes allergies?

Allergens are the primary culprits of allergies, and they can come from different substances in the environment. It could be from mould, dander, pollen or dust that causes your immune system to initiate a reaction through inflammation in your skin, airways, sinuses and even digestive system. This is then manifested by symptoms such as itching, wheezing, and sneezing, and it could range from mild to severe depending on the number of allergens in your system.

 

What are the most common symptoms of allergies?

The symptoms of allergies depend on which part of your body is exposed to the allergen. For instance, food allergies are commonly manifested by rashes, hives, and swelling that could start showing within minutes after ingesting the allergen. In some cases, food allergies could lead to anaphylactic shock if not addressed right away. If you’re experiencing crashes caused by allergies, you need to have Sigmacort cream on hand every time to treat the rashes right away. If you inhale the allergens, your allergy could manifest through nasal congestion, sneezing, and, eventually, breathing difficulties.

 

Who is at risk for developing allergies?

Anyone is at risk for developing allergies, and you can experience them at any time in your life. Some people may even be surprised that they’re suddenly allergic to shrimps when it didn’t bother them before. However, people who have a family history of allergies are more likely to develop them than those who don’t. This means that if you’re allergic, there’s a good chance that your children will develop it too. 

 

How do you diagnose an allergy?

If you start noticing that you develop rashes when you eat seafood or you sneeze a lot when your pet is around, you could be experiencing an allergy. The best way to know if you have one or not is to seek medical consultation because allergies can vary from person to person, and you’ll need different tests to diagnose allergies and, more importantly, what triggers them. But it would be wise to take note of your symptoms and the times they appear. You should also observe some things that trigger an allergic reaction like a new skincare product, a new pet in the house, or a new perfume.

 

Allergies can take a toll on you, especially if you don’t know how to address them right. So if you’re experiencing any form of allergies, make sure to consult with a doctor right away. This way, you’ll know exactly what’s causing your allergies and what types of medications you need to have on hand to treat them whenever they appear.

Are You Planning a Garage Makeover? Read This

by Susan Gregory, posted in Home Improvement

The garage is undeniably one of the most neglected spaces in the house. Although it’s used a lot to keep your cars, it also becomes a storage room, a workshop, and all other things that you made it to be. But if utilised well, a garage can be a space where you can store things, get things done, and still do the work of keeping your vehicles safe. So, if you’re finally planning to do a garage makeover, here are some tips that you might find handy.

 

  • Start by clearing your garage. If you can hardly park your car inside your garage because of too much stuff, it’s time to start decluttering to free up some space. Some people have tried the KonMari method in tackling their garage, but you can start by just letting go of the things that you don’t need anymore. Just remember that having extra space will allow you to utilise your garage better, so it’s worthwhile to de-clutter your stuff.

 

  • Create a floor plan for your garage. Whether you plan to use your garage as storage space or you want it to double as a workshop or even a gym, you need to create a floor plan to know exactly where you should put what. This will help make it easier to buy or build the right furnishings and make sure that you fulfil your goals for this space.

 

  • Invest in carpeting. You might not think about this, but your garage can be more than just a plain space with concrete floors. With the right garage carpet in NZ, you can easily turn this space into a more functional area. You can work out, build some things, and even let your kids play in this space because carpeting can make your garage feel more inviting. If recarpeting your garage seems like a daunting task, you can always call in the professionals too. 

 

  • Plan your storage. The organisation is everything in your garage, so it’s best to plan everything well to know exactly how you should store the things you choose to keep in this space. You should invest in stackable bins that help you save space, cabinets and even jars that allow you to organise little trinkets.

 

  • Maximise your wall. If you don’t have a lot of floor space in your garage, you can always install vertical organising systems that will allow you to maximise your wall space for storage and display. You’ll see a lot of these open shelves where you can put gardening and handyman tools where you can easily access and return them after use.

 

Are you ready to give your garage a much-needed makeover? The truth is, you don’t need a huge budget to make it happen. You just need to be smart about your choices and invest in the right things to make your garage more functional. Follow these tips, do your research and make sure that you have a budget in mind to avoid overspending and hurting your finances. What are you waiting for? Start planning your garage makeover today.

What Do You Need in Your Medicine Cabinet?

by Susan Gregory, posted in Health & Pharma, Lifestyle

No one in the family needs to be sick for you to have a medicine cabinet at home. Whether it’s a proper cabinet or a simple box, this emergency go-to kit will allow you to be more prepared when sickness suddenly strikes and you don’t have access to immediate medical help. But what exactly should you store in your medicine cabinet?

 

  • Decongestants

Colds are very common in Australia. Adults experience colds at least twice each year while children experience at least five. This is mostly because of sudden weather changes, which happens very often in the country. Since a cold can be so uncomfortable, you need to have decongestants for both adults and children at home so you can treat anyone who’s under the weather in your house. It’s also very important to treat colds right away since this viral infection could easily spread throughout your household.

 

  • Anti-diarrhoeal

Nothing is more embarrassing than a sudden bout of diarrhoea. Unfortunately, 4 in 10 Australians in a survey experienced diarrhoea in the last 12 months, making it one of the most common ailments among Australian households. This is why learning how to stop diarrhoea with the right antidiarrheal medication is a must since moving your bowels too frequently could easily lead to dehydration. Taking the right medication along with rehydration will allow you to recover quickly and get back to your daily routine without any interruptions.

 

  • Anti-allergies

Your medicine cabinet would never be complete with some antihistamines, eye drops, and creams that will help treat common allergies. You’ll never know when an allergy could strike. It could be those insect bites that lead to rashes or a guest mistakenly eating seafood that they are allergic to. You could really use a medicine cabinet that’s well-stocked with anti-allergy medications if these things happen.

 

  • Pain reliever

Pain is such a common ailment for family members that you need to have pain relievers in stock all the time. When choosing which pain medications to keep in your medicine cabinet, it’s best to evaluate the needs of your family first. For instance, you have to choose between 12-hour or 4-hour pain reliever medications depending on what your household needs most. You also need to keep children’s pain reliever medications on hand if you have little ones at home.

 

  • Antibacterial creams

Whether it’s a simple insect bite, an abrasion or a wound, you can definitely use an anti-bacterial cream in your medicine cabinet to treat and prevent skin infections. It’s best to have different types of antibacterial creams at home for both adults and children since you’ll never know when these accidents could happen.

 

You don’t need a proper medicine cabinet to start stocking these essentials at home. Even if you’re just starting to build a medicine cabinet or re-stocking an existing one, don’t forget to include these medications in your list so you’re always prepared whenever things suddenly come up at home. Who knows, you can also help neighbours who experience problems and don’t have these medications in stock in their own homes.

A Guide to Saving Up to Buy Land

by Susan Gregory, posted in Uncategorized

Buying a piece of land to build your house on or sell in the future is a huge financial decision. Although investing in land is one of the smartest choices you could make today, it also involves a long process of preparing yourself financially, so you won’t have to worry about any hassles later on. 

If you’re ready to take the first step buying Australian or Deanside land for sale, here are some tips that you can follow:

 

  • Know where you stand financially.

Investing takes a lot of commitment, so you need to know your current financial situation first before you could dive into buying land. Put together a simple financial statement that lists your assets, debts and savings to know exactly how much you have and if you’re capable of putting money into a huge purchase such as a piece of land. Your financial statement will also serve as your guide in knowing what part of your income to allocate for saving up for that down payment.

 

  • Know how much you can pay.

Now that you have a clear picture of your financial situation, it’s time to decide if you will pay in full, half or partial for the piece of land that you want to buy. If you have enough money to pay in bulk for this big-ticket purchase, then, by all means, go for it since it will lower down—or eliminate—your monthly payments. But if paying in bulk means depleting your savings and rainy day fund, then it’s best to pay only what you can conveniently afford and take out a loan that you can repay within a couple of years, as long as the interest rate is low.

 

  • Know about your credit score.

In most cases, you’ll be taking out a loan to pay for your purchase, and your credit score would be one of your most important requirements. The average credit score is at 700, but most financial institutions and lenders would easily approve applications from clients with a credit score of 800 and above. The lower your credit score is, the harder it would be to secure a loan from a reputable lender. If you do get approval, you might suffer from very high-interest rates, so it’s best to sort out your debt problems before taking the plunge into investing in a piece of land.

Finally, you need to determine how much you need to pay for the down payment of the land you’d like to buy. In most cases, a land loan would require at least a 15-20% down payment. But the more money you put towards your down payment, the higher your chances are of getting approved for a loan without worrying about high-interest rates. So before you decide to make this big purchase, it’s very important to save up for your down payment first to make the rest of the buying process easier and not hurt your finances by paying high-interest rates for a long time. 

With these tips under your belt, you can invest in land with confidence. Above all else, trust the advice of the professionals, listen to your gut, and you’ll be happily investing in no time!

The Common Flu: Everything You Need to Know

by Susan Gregory, posted in Health & Pharma

These days, a simple fever and cold can already send you into a frenzy because of fear that you might have COVID-19. But the common flu is caused by the influenza virus, while COVID-19 is caused by a new strain of coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. So, how can you tell if you’ve been hit by the seasonal flu? Here’s everything you need to know:

 

The signs and symptoms

  • Fever of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 37.7 degrees Celsius
  • Feeling feverish or chills
  • Severe pain in the joints and muscles
  • A feeling of weakness or severe fatigue
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Warm, flushed skin
  • Sore throat and runny nose
  • Dry cough
  • Vomiting and diarrhea (common in children)

 

The risk factors

Although most people only experience mild to moderate symptoms of flu, other people are at a higher risk for developing it or suffering from more serious complications.

  • Age. Children 6 months to 5 years old and adults 65 years and older are more likely to contract the flu than other age groups.
  • Pre-existing medical conditions. Patients with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, lung disease, metabolic disorders, kidney disease, and nervous system disease, are at a higher risk of suffering from the complications of flu.
  • Living or working conditions. People who work in highly populated areas like hospitals, nursing homes and military facilities are at a higher risk for contracting the flu from other people in the area. This is also the same for people living in highly congested areas.
  • Obesity. People who are overweight, especially those with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more are at a higher risk for developing flu complications than those within their ideal body weight.
  • Immunodeficiency. People undergoing cancer treatments, long-term use of steroids and anti-rejection drugs are at a higher risk for developing the flu as well as those who have undergone an organ transplant. 
  • Pregnancy. Pregnant women in their second and third trimester are more likely to suffer from the complications of flu for up to two weeks after delivery.

 

The complications of cold and flu

  • Bronchitis
  • Heart problems
  • Pneumonia
  • Sinus infection
  • Encephalitis
  • Asthma flare-ups

 

The treatment for cold and flu

Since you or any member of the family can contract the flu, especially during flu season, it’s best to stock up on common treatments and remedies at home, including cold and flu tablets that will surely come in handy any time. You should also practice washing your hands regularly and covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze to prevent spreading the virus. Most importantly, it would benefit you and your family to get vaccinated from the flu, so you are protected whenever it is flu season and so you don’t need to worry about suffering from the serious complications of this viral infection. 

At the end of the day, it’s all about keeping yourself healthy and practising proper habits at home and in the workplace to make sure that you don’t contract or spread the influenza virus.

Here’s How to Keep Employees Happy Even Without a Raise

by Susan Gregory, posted in Lifestyle

It’s not uncommon for most entrepreneurs to think that the only way for their employees to be happy is to give them a raise. But in reality, unhappy employees leave not just because of the pay but also because they’re not treated right by the employers.

So, if you want to keep your most precious employees, here are some tricks that you can follow:

  • Provide them with the right space.

According to a study, most employees who produce better outcomes are satisfied with their physical working environment. This is also one of the basic things that you can offer to the people who work day in and out for your business. For instance, instead of just providing them with a regular chair that could cause back pain at the end of the day, why not invest in an Aeron Miller chair remastered? This revolutionary chair covers everything when it comes to style, functionality and ergonomics, making it the choice for many companies all over the world.

 

  • Always appreciate hard work and progress.

While it’s important to give constructive feedback to help your employees improve their performance, you should also take the time to appreciate their hard work and progress. By acknowledging your employees, you’re telling them that you value their services to your company and it will motivate them to work harder. Your goals will become their goals, as they pursue great results on behalf of a business they love working for. 

 

  • Think about work-life balance.

Yes, achieving a perfect work-life balance can be close to impossible, but at least you can give your employees the time to spend with their family and friends. Make sure that they are given enough tasks to finish without having to work overtime. It’s also important to allow them breaks now and then so they can recharge and be more inspired to work when they come back.

 

  • Invest in team building.

Team building activities are important because they don’t only allow your employees to enjoy themselves, but they also help you build a stronger relationship with each other. By investing in team-building activities, you’re giving your employees a chance to get to know each other, communicate well and make memories outside the workplace. 

 

  • Offer benefits.

There’s more to helping employees out than just giving them a raise. You can offer them life or disability insurance or assist them financially if a family member gets sick. Some companies even offer free gym memberships or nutrition classes to employees to encourage them to live healthier lifestyles.

Employee happiness is such an important factor in the success of your business. After all, your employees build the backbone of your business, so if you keep them happy, you are also fostering the growth of your company. Follow these tricks and learn more about the ways that you can keep your team happy. At the end of the day, it’s not always about the paycheck but their satisfaction in their work environment that makes employees stay loyal to your business so you can grow and foster together in the long run.

Werribee 101 — Everything You Need to Know About Melbourne’s Popular Suburb

by Susan Gregory, posted in Real Estate

For a long time, Werribee has had a reputation of being the best, affordable suburb to live in. So much so, that for some, it’s difficult to believe all of the good word that surrounds it. To settle this debate once and for all, we’re going to talk about all aspects of Werribee, so you can make an informed decision about it for yourself.

 

Introduction to Werribee

Werribee is located 32 kilometres southwest of Melbourne’s CBD and boasts a population of around 40,000. It’s situated on the Werribee River and is both the administrative and most populous centre of Wyndham. 

Because of its position, population, and role, it makes a lot of sense that Werribee is an incredibly sought-after location in the NSW region.

The suburb is also a popular tourist spot, with attractions such as the Victoria State Rose Garden, Werribee Park (and its National Equestrian Centre), as well as the Open Range Zoo.

Additionally, the suburb is home to the Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre, which is popular with both residents and visitors alike.

 

Hard-Working Community

Since its early days in the mid 19th century, Werribee has been known as an agricultural settlement. Many considered the tiny suburb to be the backbone of the economy, partly because its name is derived from the Aboriginal word for “spine” or “backbone”.

This proud tradition has continued well into the 20th, and 21st century, with the suburb experiencing constant growth. In recent years, it has developed into the ultimate commuter suburb, with many job seekers and working professionals living here.

To make living in Werribee even more convenient, there’s an extensive network of buses, as well as two railway stations. Thus, the residents can enjoy an easy commute to both the larger cities, and the neighbouring suburbs.

 

The Housing Market

Werribee is so popular and talked about, that it’s hard to believe that the housing market has been as stable as it is. Luckily, the development of real estate has kept up with demand, and each resident can find a good home that fits into their budget. 

There are plenty of homes and apartments available for both purchase and rent, as well as land for sale Werribee. Thus, the suburb is still attracting a lot of investors, with new houses, buildings and entire neighbourhoods still being planned and built.

 

A Great Place to Raise Your Family

Werribee isn’t just all work and no play. On the contrary, the suburb is full of young families with little children running around the quiet streets and well-kept parks. Part of the reason behind this is that there are countless educational facilities, both privately and publicly owned. 

There are primary, secondary and combined schools, as well as tertiary education options, provided by several TAFE campuses.

 

Final Thoughts

As you’ve hopefully come to realize by now, there are several reasons why Werribee is so talked about and popular among people from all sorts of backgrounds and goals. Whether you’re looking for a better work-life balance, fun activities, exciting opportunities or inexpensive real estate — Werribee is the place to be.

Your Guide to Newcastle — Everything You Need to Know Before Moving

by Susan Gregory, posted in Real Estate

Newcastle’s popularity isn’t newfound, and it’s actually quite sensical. Still, many people are unsure of whether the hype behind it is deserved or not. To help answer any of your questions, and finalize your decision about moving here, here’s what you need to know before moving to Newcastle.

 

About Newcastle

Newcastle District is also often referred to as Lower Hunter Region or Greater Newcastle area. The metropolitan area is quite developed, as well as popular among Kiwis, and constitutes the second most populous region in NSW. This area also comes with a rich history, as it was once occupied by the Worimi and Awabakal Aboriginal People. 

Newcastle East

Newcastle East is named because of the fact that it sits east of the Newcastle CBD, and is one of the more popular suburbs in the area. It’s home to Newcastle Beach, Nobbys Beach, as well as Foreshore Park. Additionally, the suburb is famous for its historic housing, which is what attracts many new residents to the area. 

Newcastle West

This inner suburb sits in the western part of the Newcastle CBD and is mostly thought of as the shopping and trading district. However, Newcastle West is also quite popular with families with children, as it’s also home to the Newcastle High School.

According to the 2016 census, the suburb had a tiny population of 618, but this number has seen a great increase in the last few years. The reason behind this is that the area offers plenty of amenities and affordable housing. 

 

The Amenities 

Arguably one of the most beautiful parts of Newcastle is King Edward Park. Designed all the way back in 1863, the park features a Victorian rotunda, sunken garden and gorgeous coastal views. 

It also puts you in close proximity to great schools, namely the Newcastle East Public School, St Philip’s Christian College and Newcastle Grammar School. Not to mention, the Hunter Institute of Technology and the University of Newcastle are closeby. Finally, there are plenty of local shops, cafes and restaurants as well as a golf course, senior community etc. 

As you’ve hopefully realized by now, Newcastle has something for everyone, so it comes as no surprise that so many are drawn to the area. Thus, the area is popular with retirees, working professionals, students as well as families with children. 

 

The Housing Market

When you think about all that Newcastle has to offer, it comes as no surprise that living in the city isn’t exactly cheap. Most notably, the price of real estate is on the higher end, which is what puts some people off the idea of living here.

That being said, the surrounding suburbs, such as Newcastle East and West are still pretty affordable. They’re full of gorgeous houses, as well as apartment complexes, and are suitable for most. However, if you’re looking for the best deal, and a place that’s move-in ready, we recommend checking out the house and land packages Newcastle.

 

Final Thoughts 

We hope we’ve cleared up any of the concerns you may have had about living in Newcastle. If you’re still on the fence, perhaps visiting the area or browsing through available real estate online can help you make the final decision.

5 Advantages of Investing in Commercial Property

by Susan Gregory, posted in Commercial Investment

Diversify your portfolio by investing in commercial real estate. Commercial Real estate (CRE) refers to properties that are being rented out for business purposes rather than a living space.

Commercial real estate is classified into office, industrial, multifamily, retail, or individual spaces. Investing in CRE can be a big move, but you’ll be reaping in CRE will give you good and stable returns. If you’re looking at investing in CRE, here are some advantages:

 

Competitive Leasing Rates

If the property is in a good location, you can set a higher price for the lease. You have to choose the right area for the property you will purchase. A good place will amplify the value of your property. Talk with a commercial buyers agent and give you different options with the commercial properties you can choose from.

Take time to choose the best property and go through every possible option. Remember that this is a huge decision and will involve thousands of dollars.

 

Cash Flow Stability

After Investing in commercial property and finding people who will rent it, it will give you cash flow stability. You will be receiving rent money monthly. Also, rent contracts for commercial properties are generally longer compared to residential agreements.

The long-term lease guarantees that you will have a stable and consistent cash flow within the contract period. You have to make sure that you treat your tenants well and respond to their needs. This will help you foster a good landlord-tenant relationship and will increase the possibility of an extension of the contract.

 

More Tenants Less Risk

If you invest in a building with multiple occupancies, then a few vacancies won’t hurt. The rent of other tenants can cover the costs of the vacant units. This is less risky than a single-family residential property because if that renter moves out, you’ll find yourself in a 100 percent loss situation.

 

Pride of Ownership

Give yourself a tap in the back because owning a commercial property is considered to be one of the highest valued among asset classes. Not everyone has the chance to own commercial real estate, and you should give it to yourself that you have what it takes to invest in this kind of property asset. You’ll always be reminded of your pride in ownership every time you receive your tenants’ monthly rental fees. With commercial real estate, you didn’t have an investment; you also have a profit. Rethink Investing your money in commercial property now.

 

Equity Portfolio

A good equity portfolio is a diverse one and having commercial real estate in it is the way to do it. Yes, investing in commercial real estate is a big undertaking, but the returns and the benefits are worth it. Commercial real estate is a low-risk investment, but it is easy to triple its value overtime.

Investing in commercial real estate is a big move. Don’t make rash decisions and take time to look into the different aspects of the property. Making the right decision will significantly affect your returns in the future. So think about it well, work with a good property agent, and make an informed decision.

Property Investment Tips from the Experts

by Susan Gregory, posted in Lifestyle

Property is a volatile subject with a lot of people only knowing the basics or thinking that they do but don’t. There are a lot of ways to invest in property and a lot more strategies to apply to ensure that your investments work out.

In property investment, however, there is no such thing as the absolute strategy, and sometimes some strategies work better in a specific situation, this means that what works for others may not necessarily work out for you.

Renting out spaces and property might be significant for your acquaintance, but you live in very different places, and there may not be a demand. We’ll be giving out useful property investment tips to beginners from the experts.

 

Buying and Holding

The first investment strategy on this list is a long term type of property investment. This is when someone buys a property and holds on to in hopes that the value of the property increases over time as the market goes up. This is an excellent way to make money if you have enough patience. If you are interested, land for sale in Officer is a good way to start.

 

Renting Out

Buying a piece of land and renting it out or leasing it for a couple of years to people while waiting for the value of the land to increase is another great idea. If you want to make sure that you earn at least more than how much you’re paying for the property in taxes, renting it out is an excellent way to cover those costs. If the property’s value increases, you can also increase rent instead of selling it for a more consistent income.

 

Own Your Home

One of the most common strategies applied all over the world when it comes to property investment is homeownership. Although generally, you won’t be gaining revenue if you’re not renting it out, it also means that you won’t be spending more on lease or rent. If you’re interested in buying a house, Hillstowe is an excellent option. Over time, the house and the lot will also increase its value, and you can choose to sell it for eventual revenue.

 

Renovating

Some people may think that renovating a property means you’re spending unnecessary money on a property that won’t get you any revenue, but that is not the case. Renovating a worn-down property, especially those that have been neglected by previous owners, can actually be rewarding.

Once the property has been kept up to date and properly renovated, the value of the property increases exponentially. Once you’re done with the renovation, you can rent it out or sell it depending on what your preference is.

 

Flipping 

Last but not least on this list is flipping a property. Some properties have been in the market for too long but haven’t been shown in the right light or have just been neglected. Afterwards, you can “flip” and increase its value by marketing it to the right people and selling it at a higher price, earning you some revenue.