Here are some ways to keep your family stay safe this Winter:

• Ensure that your home has working smoke alarms.
• Have a fire-escape plan in place and ensure that the entire family is aware of it.
• Never leave heaters or open fires burning when you leave the house or go to bed, or let children stand or sleep too close to them.
• Install guards around open fires.
• Watch out too for electrical cords – don’t let them cross the front of heating appliances or hide them under rugs.
• Ensure that you keep clothing, linen, and other combustible materials at least a metre away from heaters.
• Switch off your electric blanket before you go to sleep

It’s important to be vigilant, especially whilst using heaters or any kind of heating element. Check your appliances before you use them each Winter – particularly if you haven’t used them in a year. Faulty equipment is often the culprit in tragedies that inevitably top the news come Winter time and can be easily avoided.

1. Under-shelf storage space. When implemented correctly – you can make the most of the space you have by hanging items underneath every available shelf. Everything from coffee mugs to shampoo bottles in the bathroom.
2. Closet organizers. There are so many of these on the market now that provide ways to make the most of your closet space. Pick some that work with your space and your budget – take a trip up to Ikea at Slacks Creek for some inspiration.
3. Ceiling Racks. Not just for kitchens! Ceiling storage is perfect not just for pots and pans in the kitchen, but for garages too. Perfect for those rooms where you need to store bits and pieces that won’t go anywhere else – tools, holiday decorations etc.
4. Go Vertical. Almost anything can be stored on the wall with peg boards, clever spice racks and other contraptions designed to keep your bits and pieces off the floor. Everything from wine bottles to coffee mugs to CDs can be stored within arm’s reach.
5. Like In, Like Out. If a new item comes into the house – replace another item with the same functionality. You don’t have to throw it out – give it to a friend, or to charity. This will help you to avoid over-clutter and re-downsizing down the track.
6. Under the Bed. Such a prime space that is often underused! Before you buy a storage system for under the bed however, don’t forget to measure it before you set out! It’s not going to be very space-efficient if your brand new storage boxes don’t actually fit under the bed!
7. Double-Store It. How many other sneaky ways can you store your bits and pieces? Secret-compartments can be found everywhere – from lift-up seats in chairs and couches to space under coffee tables. Sneaky!
8. Corner Organisation. There are corner organizers for everything nowadays! TV units, kids storage – even smaller corner storage units for cupboards and the shower! Corners are a goldmine when it comes to maximum space-efficiency.

There you have it – eight ways to save on space without going completely crazy! It does require some forward planning and a little bit of ongoing organisation – but it is perfectly possible! Need some inspiration? Check out this article on Japanese Micro-Homes. Now there’s some seriously compact living!

1. like you would dress appropriately for a particular function – so should you dress your home appropriately for an open-home inspection. Create a “homely” environment using elements as food, ambient music, and scented candles. Buy fruit for that empty fruit bowl, or cakes for the cake-stand. A recipe book open neatly in the kitchen, even the spa running (inside or outside) are all ideas to entice and capture the imaginations of future buyers.
2. Not the most environmentally sound idea – but turning on all of the lights, particularly on a less-than bright time of day adds warmth.
3. Add life to your property by strategically placing plants around the house.
4. Buy new towels and lay them out only during open times. Keep your laundry baskets neat and tidy.
5. Prepare the correct temperature – if it is a hot day, ensure that fans or air-conditioners are turned on. If it is cold – light the fire, and turn on the heaters.
6. Furniture not up to scratch? Consider buying key pieces from eBay – or possibly even hiring from professional home-decor companies. Remember – you only get one chance to make a first impression!
7. Lay that turf that you’ve been meaning to lay for ages. Plant that vegetable patch. Create that kids play-area – sandpit, cubby house – the works.

1. This might seem like a no-brainer, but check and double check that you have locked any windows sporting individual locks. Many people get into a very bad habit of just swinging the window closed, however while it may be enough to keep the rain out – it won’t keep out people who want to come in.
2. Let your neighbour know that you’re going to be away – and leave a contact number. If you are on especially good terms with them, ask if they can even collect your mail. Even better – ask them to park their car on your property in your absence.
3. If you’re going away for more than a few days – get your mail held by Australia Post and postpone any newspaper deliveries and turn down the volume of your telephone – particularly if it can be often heard on the outside of your property.
4. Install automatic timer devices for your television and particular lights in the house. Nothing screams “we’re not home” like a darkened residence at 7pm. Ensure that you engage manual locks on your electric garage door and although it may seem like common sense – obviously leaving keys on or around your property is an open invitation.
5. Lock away ladders, tools or other items that could be used as potential “break-in” equipment. The same applies to empty boxes or similar containers alongside bins for rubbish collection. It is amazing how many times houses have been cleaned out and no-one noticed because it was simply assumed that the residents were “moving”.

• Don’t drive, ride, walk or swim through or in flooded waters.
• Obey road closure signs
• Travel with extreme caution
• If in doubt – stay out.

• Pamper mum with a luxurious Mother’s Day river cruise along the Gold Coast Waterways! Choose between two scenic buffet cruises including a gourmet brunch and a relaxing lunch (including dessert and live entertainment). More information here.

• A relaxing day at the markets might be just the ticket – and the perfect place to unwind and shop is the Craft Extravaganza Mothers Day Market in North Tamborine. More than a market, this craft show showcases the work of 50 local artists. More information here.

• Looking to get involved in a cause? For more than a decade, the Mother’s Day Classic fun run has provided communities with a fantastic way to celebrate Mother’s Day and raise funds for breast cancer research. The Gold Coast event involves a 4 or an 8km walk or run (starting from Hollindale Avenue), and registration can be done online here or at the venue until May 7.

• Local restaurant Gordoni’s are taking reservations for Mother’s Day. Located at 44 The Esplanade, Paradise Point, Gordoni’s is a restaurant, bar and tapas lounge and are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Phone 07 5501 5967 to make a reservation, or alternatively email them at info@gordonisrestaurant.com.au.

• Looking for that perfect gift? Check out the Gold Coast Mail’s Mother’s Day Gift Guide for everything from the Active to the Tech-Savvy mums and every mum in between!

No matter what you decide, we want to wish all Gold Coast mums a relaxing and special day on May 8.