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Here's a smart solution! Rent camera gear for amazing shots & savings. Wow your Insta-audience too.

by Penina October 15, 2019

written by Penina

Whether you love photography, are Insta-happy or planning a trip – you are going to love this idea. This one’s a game-changer, and as my son and I are budding photographers, we love this concept.

Did you know and have you ever considered renting gear? Yep, I’m talking ‘try before you buy’ cameras? Well, this is a thing! Ted’s Cameras is my go-to store for all things film and has always been. They’re leaders in the field and are very well versed. I’ve always found the service to be outstanding too. Their rental program now offers consumers even more bang for their buck. If you love photography, this is an excellent solution. You can try out amazing camera gear while taking those awesome Insta-worthy shots on a trip.

Here are 5 great reasons to rent cameras

1. Reduce trip costs by trying out a better kit – for a cheaper price

Get your camera costs down while travelling – consider renting

There are plenty of costs associated with traveling. Think accommodation, meals, sightseeing, tickets for tours and more. The costs all add up. As a photographer, you may not be able to afford to buy a camera outright at first. So, renting is a great way to try out the latest gear, lenses, tripods and bags before investing.

2. You can rent gear that suits your travel destination and needs

Choose a camera that suits your destination and travel goals

Let’s say you usually use a DSLR. These cameras can be bulky and heavy to lug around. For example, you could rent a mirrorless camera. These rival the quality of DSLRs but they’re much lighter. They are a very popular choice for travel photographers. If you are going on Safari or planning to do lots of sightseeing you may need a camera with greater zoom. It would be sad to venture on an amazing trip only to discover photos aren’t the best after the fact.

Mirrorless Cameras – Ted’s Top Picks:

3. You can experiment with specialty lenses

Lenses can make or break a picture. Learn more about them through renting.

Photography can be a big learning curve for newbies. Finding the right lenses is one thing professional photographers know. Getting good at picking the right lense, will take your photos to the next level. These can be pricey though. It’s hard to justify buying a lens that you won’t use on a regular basis. This is where renting comes in handy. Depending on where you are going on holiday, you could rent a specialty lens. You could try a macro, tilt-shift or super-telephoto lens and find delight in how good your photos look. You’ll become even more creative too. For example, you could play around with fish-eye lenses. These capture dramatic landscapes or cityscape images. For travel, consider a versatile all-in-one zoom lens. Enjoy a creative challenge, and bring at least one “unusual” lens, like a fish-eye.

Lenses – Ted’s Top Picks:

4. You can leave more expensive gear at home

Leave good gear at home and take a rental kit

If you’re a professional photographer, you may have invested thousands of dollars in your kit. You can think of renting as a backup system. If you don’t want to risk losing or damaging expensive gear, leave it locked up at home. Otherwise, consider renting if your gear is being repaired. Rental equipment is a great way to keep working in the meantime.

5. You can add travel accessories to your kit

Traveling? Make sure you get the right camera gear. Consider renting and save big.

Of course, no kit is a ‘kit’ without an incredible range of accessories. The best one to consider is a travel tripod. These are sturdy enough to hold a mirrorless or DSLR camera. They also fold down into a compact size, so they are easy to travel with. Like all tripods, they help with camera shake. That way you can meet every photographer’s goal – which is crisp, blur-free photos.

Ok, I’m going to say it: Walking around with a professional photography kit makes you look well, ‘cool.’ But there’s no point in looking cool if you haven’t got a camera bag to set that kit off. This is kind of like wearing the perfect suit with the wrong shoes. Yeah, style is important when it comes to photography. The bags also have a purpose. They protect your gear while exploring those amazing streetscapes and destinations.

Tripods & Camera Bags: Ted’s Top Picks:

Ready to rent?

Head over to Ted’s Cameras to learn more about their rental program. Put together the camera kit you’ve always dreamed of. Impress people on Instagram and love your passion for photography even more.

Sponsored – In Collaboration with Ted’s Cameras. *On a personal note, Ted’s are excellent. I’ve used their services many times. Their gear and customer service is outstanding.

October 15, 2019 0 comment

Featured Latest

Get smarter without breaking the bank

by Penina September 24, 2019

written by Penina

Australia is one of the most well-educated countries in the world. We rank higher than the OECD average for adults completing upper tertiary education. For this reason, the employment rate for adults is 73 percent, as opposed to the regional average of 68.
That’s not all. More and more Australians have high goals. They’re achieving qualifications beyond undergraduate diplomas. Postgraduate degree holders doubled in the first decadeof the 21st century. This number increased even more, to around 46 per cent from 2011 to 2016.
Australians on average boast impressive qualifications and credentials. But, continued learning or personal development is a luxury. Many can’t afford it. A masters degree can cost from AUD $10,000 to AUD $25,000 a year. This doesn’t include the cost of living during those years of study. Many students do not work or earn income while studying.
This is a high (and also unnecessary) financial barrier to overcome. Today’s decentralised and digital marketplace is helpful. It is easier to achieve personal development and growth than most think. Students can have it all without busting a gut or breaking the bank.
Read on to discover how to access high-quality, affordable courses and programs.

Coursera.Org

Two Stanford computer science professors founded Coursera. They wanted to lessen the barriers to gaining knowledge and skills. The platform offers tens of thousands of free courses. These include programs from well-renowned and accredited universities including the Ivy League schools. Programs are well structured. The courses include a syllabus, sections, reading, lecture videos, and quizzes.
If you are an inquisitive type (like me) with a thirst for knowledge, this is a great platform to check out. You can fit learning around your busy lifestyle too and learn at your own pace.

Tip: There are few other similar platforms offering bite-sized classes. These include Udemy, edX, and Skillshare.

Online Universities

Looking for a more specialised, in-depth or academic learning avenue? Consider getting an official degree at an accredited academic institution. These offer flexible online programs for achieving academic goals.
These are the important factors to note:

Care about the institution’s brand value
Look for quality courses
Consider guidance and support for online student bodies

Since these programs need a longer commitment these considerations are important.
Here’s an exemplary online nursing masters program offered by James Cook University. They offer a personal (one-on-one) Success Advisor upon enrolment.

Meetup and Eventbrite

Here’s a trick companies, industry experts, education providers, and other dedicated groups do. They offer courses and workshops on Meetup and Eventbrite. They’ll often do so for free or for a small fee.
Benefits include:

Meeting people who share the same interests and passions
Groups encourage members to foster intellectual pursuit
Network with experts in the field you may not usually meet
Expand in your community through true personal growth

ClassBento

ClassBento is a great hub of fun workshops, is great for fostering hobbies. Learn fun arts and crafts skills here. Enjoy the cocktail making masterclasses, photography lessons, calligraphy classes, and more. These workshops do cost money. Search the site for good deals as the price range varies based on the provider, level, type, and duration.
Be sure to check discount deal sites such as Groupon. The same providers use Groupon to offer promotions/deals to attract new clients.

September 24, 2019 0 comment

Featured Latest Real Estate

Turbo-charge your property value and home sale for under $1k with these fast hacks

by Penina July 23, 2019

written by Penina

Australian home prices recently experienced one of Australia’s worst property downturns in generations. But there’s good news. Home prices may have found some solid ground. The real estate industry is experiencing a revival in auction demand. New data shows buyers are increasing, compared to the same time last year.
The latest CoreLogic data reports a clearance rate of 72.8%. Out of 262 auctions, 190 properties sold. That’s a 25.9% increase compared to the same week last year. In Melbourne, the clearance rate reached 70.6%, which was an increase on last year’s 56.2%. Across all the capital cities, the clearance rate reached 65.4% compared with 52.0% in the same period last year.
Adam Rigby, founder of Upside, Australia’s biggest fixed-fee agency is positive.
“Auctions are a great way to sell right now. Buyers are back but supply is low so many properties are selling above reserve. The signs are there throughout the entire sales process. Our average open home attendance in July sitting at more than double the yearly average. Buyer interest is back, and savvy homeowners are taking advantage” said Mr Rigby.
He says now is a good time to make small improvements to get top value if you’re considering selling.
“There’s a sliding scale of how much value you can create versus how much you spend,” says Mr Rigby. “It’s no secret that styling your property pays off. Our real estate agents estimate that it adds around 2.5% to the value of your home. This can also help your house sell faster.
Here are the secret tips you need to know to increase the value of your property. These hacks will help you maximise the results of your sale and you can do it all without breaking the bank.

1. Choose low-fee agents

Fixed-fee selling is a great way to reduce sale costs. You’ll know exactly what you are paying for upfront. Upside, for example, charges a flat-fee of $8,900 for private treaty sales. They charge $9,700 for auctions, compared to commission which are often in the 2-2.2% range, but can climb higher than 3%.

2. Add a coat of paint

Paint will spruce up a room and cover up wear and tear. This is a fast and effective way to revitalise a home for sale. Keep colours neutral. Stick to white, off-white or cream.

3. Invest in new plants

Plants offset harsh looking fascias. They also soften the edges of a a home. Indoor plants and flowers make a home feel fresh and modern. The breathe new life into tired-looking rooms.

4. Improve curb appeal

Research shows 80% of Australians want a home with a yard for their family and pets. Having a well-presented outdoor space can win over potential buyers. Landscaping can cost thousands. But there are plenty of little touches you can add that will make your backyard shine. Start by trimming hedges and mowing the lawn.

5. Open up the space

Everyone wants a space that feels big and open. You might find that removing items of furniture works. Or consider replacing them with smaller pieces creates an impression of space.

6. Hang up mirrors

Mirrors are an inexpensive and fast way to give a feeling of space to a room. Here are some great spots for a mirror:

Behind the sofa
A shelf in the living room
The headboard in a bedroom
In a hallway to make it look bigger

7. Quick fixings

Kitchens are expensive to renovate, but they’re also the room that sells a house. If your kitchen is looking tired, freshen up the space by painting cabinets. Finish the look with new knobs or handles.
In bedrooms, invest in affordable new linen to make brighten a room and make it feel more inviting and cosy. Add cushions and a throw to complete the look.
For more information visit www.upside.com.au

July 23, 2019 0 comment

Featured Hacks Home Organisation & Storage Housework & Cleaning Organise & Declutter

The Ultimate Guide To Colour Coding Your Family Fast

by Penina August 15, 2017

written by Penina

Have you considered colour coding your family? Here’s the ultimate guide to getting more organised around the home by giving each member in the home their own colour 1. Towels

Get organised in the laundry by giving everyone in the house a colour coded towel or you use coloured hooks (you can buy them at $2 shops) for each towel in the bathroom.

Image Source: Dreamstimes

2. Cups, Glasses & Maxon Jars

Give everyone in the house their own drinking glass. Get kids to find their glasses and cups around the house so you don’t have to look for them. This stops kids grabbing glass after glass and reduces the number of times you have to pack and unpack a dishwasher. Get them to wash their own cup or glass if possible. Image Source: Tumblr

3. Tootbrushes

Although you probably do this anyway – match toothbrushes to a person’s glass or towel. Now, you’ll really start to feel the new mix-n-match clarity-giving vibe in your house.

4. Dinnerware Sets

This is another ultimate way to reduce washing up. Give everyone in the house their own plate, bowl and cup set. If a plate gets left somewhere in the house – you’ll know who the culprit is!

Source: Etsy

5. Lunchboxes

Ahhh…. There’s nothing better than the sanity of a lovely lunchbox and an organised. Here’s a way to keep everyone organised and feel a sense of calm morning after morning. Never accidentally give a kid the wrong lunchbox again with colour coding. Buy the same type of lunchbox so they stack nicely away.

Source: Pinterest

5.Water Bottles

Keep the whole family hydrated and from drinking out of eachother’s bottles too. Hygiene is a great motivator! Keep lunchboxes and water bottles organised in one drawer or cupboard at home. I keep mine under the cutlery drawers so they are easy to wash and put away daily.

Source: Pinterest

6. Laundry Baskets

Never sort laundry again. Colour code laundry baskets. Give each person in the house a ‘laundry’ day. Wash their laundry, hang it out and bring it back in all on the same day. I keep a portable clothes horse in the house for each person and put it in their bedroom. I get the kids to fold and put their laundry away as part of their daily chores list. Make each person in the home responsible for their laundry on laundry day.

Source: Pinterest

7. Sheets and Linen

Keep your linen cupboard super organised by matching sheet sets to everything else on this list. Yes, we’re verging on ‘Truman Show’ but my goodness I feel a sense of calm and clarity just looking at this picture. Don’t you? I haven’t got to this level of organisation yes – but I’m inspired.

Source: Pillow Talk

8. Picnicware

You know when you go to the beach and the kids start drinking out of eachother’s water bottles? Yik… Even yikkier when they’re not your kids.

By colour coding the cups you can stay in control of all the cups. This works the same for water bottles above – but if you are taking juice for everyone – this one’s a keeper. Now you can get back to reading that magazine and soaking up the sun, while the kids frolic in the sand.

Nice one mum!

9. Kids Stationary

Kids stationary is messy business. Consider colour coding folders, art tubs, recycled pen tins and well – anything that makes your heart aflutter with the fabulousness of clarity and sanity.

Source: Pinterest

10. Coat Hangers

Use colour coded coat hangers to separate kids gear on the same rack or in the laundry when drying clothes for similar aged children.

11. Socks

Colour code socks + separate laundry tubs + mesh washing bags (so nothing gets lost) = a recipe for complete laundry sanity!

Source: Wheretoget.it

12. Freezer Meal Containers

For example, I’ll make ‘Mince Monday’ pink and ‘Chicken Tuesday’ blue. Yes, this is a little OCD-ish but this will make my no-cook nights even easier than they already are. I’m so excited!

Source: Pinterest

13. Files in the office

Don’t forget the office. Win the paper war for good. Organise files and projects into colours too. Make them functional. For example, make expenses files ‘red’ and income-generating documents ‘green.’

Source: Pinterest

14. Your Wardrobe

Once you’ve organised the kitchen, kids and your office – how about colour coding your own wardrobe? Never lose an item of clothing again and easily dress to your mood each day. Get out of black too. That’s sure what I needed to do and this worked really well.

Source: Pinterest

15. The Bookshelf

OK – I do love my books and I’m not sure if I’d personally do this. I sort my books into categories. For example, cooking, self-help etc. But if you really want to take this idea to the limit – here’s a visual!

Source: Squarespace

16. Kids Rooms

Take it even further by colour coding your entire kids room in the colour you picked for them.

OK. That’s it for today, but there’s more of this organisational goodness to come. Thanks to everyone on Facebook who submitted their awesome ideas about their experiences with colour-coding family members. If you’ve got more great ideas please comment on the FB feed for this post. Thanks. Have a fantastic week and happy colour-coding!

Get organised in the kitchen this weekend. Cook for a family of four adults this Saturday. Spend just $230 to feed an entire family breakfast, lunches, snacks and even desserts for an entire five weeks. Click the pink link below to check out my latest eBook.

August 15, 2017 0 comment