Life moves at such a speedy pace. By the time Monday comes around again, most times it feels as if you haven’t even had a weekend off! There is a solution (and I don’t mean warping the space-time continuum). WEEKEND AWAY!

A break is as good as a holiday – especially if you’re time-poor. But, scrimping on time does not have to mean scrimping on quality, or experience! Recently, I rented a house through Contemporary Hotels and had two BLISSFUL days away. It was great to have some ‘me’ time, and it honestly felt as if I’d had two weeks away. And, it’s super easy to choose and book the right escape for you. Just browse and click and you’re on your way.

But you’re not really going anywhere?

Many people only go away on a break once or twice a year. You save up all your holiday hours and your pennies and plan it to the umpteenth degree. Sometimes, the whole process of planning can be exhausting in itself! Having a weekend away is quite a simple process. If you stay local, you can drive. If you’re going interstate, flights are cheap, fast and reliable. The beauty is you can get away with just a simple overnight bag, so no packing or unpacking. One of the luxuries about a quick getaway is that while you may be staying indoors, (albeit probably in much fancier digs than your own) you are NOT at home. This means no housework, no chores, no cooking, no ferrying around the family, no unexpected visitors and no temptation to pop into work.

Make it special

If it’s alone time you need, then by all mean do it solo, BUT if there’s an occasion to celebrated then make it a weekend rather than just one night. Think anniversaries, birthdays, or, my favourite, the Friends Weekend. I find, like myself, my closest friends are just a busy as I am during the week with family and work commitments and it’s almost impossible to catch up for a good chinwag. Gather your closest friends, rent a super snazzy house and have 48hrs of bonding, sans kids and partners. You’ll come back relaxed and a lot happier. If romance is on the cards, and you’ve not spent any quality time with your partner lately, a few days in each other’s hair will sure rekindle the spark. For those pregnant mums-to-be, a baby moon is the perfect way to take stock and prepare for life with a newborn.

The best reason of all

While you don’t need an excuse to have take a short break, I’ll give you the most important reason of all; mental health and wellbeing. Taking care of your needs (which you may only prioritise as a ‘want’) is crucial for a balanced life. If you don’t look after yourself, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and exhausted. So, check your calendars, mark out two days and book a few days of relaxation. You deserve it!

There is an incredible range of home windows available to suit nearly any function and personal aesthetic choice. In addition to traditional sliding and hinged styles, you can choose to install a skylight to increase natural light into your home or louvres to maximise ventilation.

Different styles of windows provide different opening areas, which will vary in importance for individual needs. Larger opening areas will increase ventilation opportunities while smaller openings will provide improved security.

It’s also useful to consider energy-efficient styles and maintenance needs when making your home window selection. Hinged windows generally have lower air leakage rates than sliding windows, therefore increasing their energy efficiency. In contrast, sliding windows are an ‘easy to maintain’ option only requiring an occasional clean of the tracks and glass.

You may find that you need different window styles throughout your home depending on design preferences, the direction that your windows face and your local climate. New window styles are being developed all the time, however below is some useful information on common window styles.

According to the investment bank Credit Suisse, Australians are the richest people in the world. So it’s no wonder we have a love affair with our properties. Take a look at some more damning evidence to prove that our true love this Valentine’s Day is in fact our own bricks and mortar.

(Sing along to the tune of ‘My Favourite Things’ )

 “Cupids and roses and boxes of chocolates, love notes and kisses and champagne-filled goblets…”Photo: www.huffingtonpost.com

Yes, it’s that time again; you know the one, between Christmas and Easter? A day for lovers and love; Valentine’s Day of course!

Now before you think I’m being all ‘bah-humbug’ (or whatever the Valentine’s day equivalent is), I actually DO celebrate 14 February and like to make it a special day for my loved ones. While many people are disenfranchised with the commercialism of the day – and let’s face it, it’s hard not to feel slight nausea at the superfluous ‘redness’ in the shopping centres. But, if you can ignore all that stuff, then Valentine’s Day can be a wonderfully special day.

It can be expensive or cost you nothing

Photo: www.messina.com.au

So buying a dozen roses will be the equivalent to a down payment on a house! But, think outside the square. A potted plant in a beautiful vase will last longer and become a part of your home. Orchids and mini bonsai trees are lovely and ornamental. Red roses are clichéd anyway. If it’s impossible to buy a gift for that special person, be creative and think what a lovely gesture it would be to take the kids out for day, or book a plane ticket so your wife can visit her best friend or how about take a cooking class? Whatever the gesture, a little thought can go a very long way, just don’t leave it till the last minute! Words are powerful and writing down your feelings in a card or composing a love note has become a dying trend.

Never dine alone

Photo: www.messina.com.au

For the past few years I’ve held a Valentine’s Day dinner for my friends whose partners are away on business. And, these dinners have been a smashing success! Secretly nobody likes being alone on Valentine’s Day and it makes it extra lonely when you know your loved one is far away. Each time I’ve hosted, the nights have been great fun and it’s also a fabulous excuse to get together with friends you haven’t had the chance to catch up with. The secret is to keep the food theme indulgent and decadent (think fantastic desserts from Messina and lots of bubbles). This year, I’ll be hosting a dinner for friends and couples who are Valentine’s Day humbugs. I’m sure by the end of the night; I’ll have a roomful of converts!

Embrace the day, it’s only once a year – a besides, love DOES make the world go round!