For most of us, smartphones are invaluable parts of our everyday lives but it is possible to have too much of a good thing. Spending too much time on one’s phone doesn’t just cause procrastination problems – it can also lead to poor posture and even negatively affect our mood!

If you’re looking to make a positive lifestyle change and cut down on your smartphone screen time, look no further. We’ve put together some great tips to help you spend less time on the phone and improve your general wellbeing.

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Some of our relish in putting a personal touch on our homes. Others… not so much. Rental homes can be more of a challenge because you need to move and redecorate more frequently. However, don’t despair! You don’t have to make do with bland rooms just because you’re renting. There are plenty of easy ways to spruce up your place without any serious renovations.

If you’re looking for some really special items that are a cut above the fare available at Kmart or Target, then you may want to consider Etsy. This online store has everything from artsy crafts and vintage treasures to handmade goods, you’re bound to find something to put a unique touch on any home. Best of all, it’s a great opportunity to buy directly from Australian craftspeople and support local business!

Whether you’ve just moved into a new place or you know someone who has and you’re looking for a great housewarming present, we’re here to help! We’ve rustled up the cream of the crop of Aussie shops selling homewares and home décor on Etsy. You may just find your next personal heirloom.

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The modern smartphone is an incredibly useful tool and according to Deloitte, a whopping 89% of Aussies own a smartphone. With most of us using our phones every day, we’re certainly no strangers to mobile apps and the notifications that come with them.

At times, these notifications can be very useful – who among us hasn’t saved face at the last minute thanks to a handy birthday reminder for an acquaintance on Facebook? Other times, not so much. No one really needs a banner on the home screen of their phone to remind them to play more Candy Crush, or that so-and-so or such-and-such has posted on social media.

The hard truth is that most mobile apps on the market today are padding out their notifications with unnecessary information. It’s so prevalent that even satire news website, The Onion, is joking about it. These little pop-ups and badges just aren’t telling us anything important or useful; all they’re doing is trying to get your attention so you open the app again. That’s why it’s a good New Years’ resolution to nip these useless notifications in the bud so you can stay focused on the stuff that matters.

We’ve put together some handy advice on how to trim down your mobile notifications and keep the useful stuff and get rid of the junk!

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