HILLS INDEPENDENT HILLS 131 May 2026 | Page 14

We are giving away 9 double passes to the show – to enter email us at info @ hdinews. com. au using Las Vegas in the subject line. Leave your details – name, address and phone number and tell us why you pick up our publication every month.

And now for a little me time

MONTHLY CHALLENGE

MAKE DO AND MEND

GIVEAWAY by Lorna Gordon

Most people I know are trying to figure out how to make their hard earned money go further, which isn’ t easy at the moment. Cooking meals at home, reducing travel and watching what you spend your money on is a start.
Another way to make your money last longer is to fix things at home that need a bit of TLC instead of paying someone else to do them. It’ s surprising the things you can repair if you take a bit of time to figure out how to do it, I’ m not talking about rewiring your house or doing major work on your car that could be dangerous and absolutely needs a professional, but smaller projects can be surprisingly easy to do. My car got a stone chip on the windscreen a couple of months ago. I bought a resin repair kit, watched a YouTube video and fixed it myself for about $ 40, you can’ t even tell it was there. I’ ve fixed a puncture on my car tyre with a repair kit that saved me quite a few dollars instead of getting someone out to do it too.
Unblocking sinks and fixing leaky taps are also easy, but messy jobs, which can be done yourself. As is fixing drywall or paining a room in your house. DIY stores have plenty of people on hand to ask questions if you aren’ t sure, and there are online tutorials to help guide you through jobs you aren’ t confident with.
It’ s not just your home or car that can benefit from a bit of DIY, you can do simple repairs to clothing without a sewing machine, all you need are needle and thread and a few pins to hem pants, sew on buttons or repair a small tear, giving your clothes more life. Even shoe repairs can be done at home, and you can get shoe dye kits if you want to give a tired pair of shoes a new life!
Doing things yourself can not only give your belongings a new lease of life and save you cash, but it can also make you feel good about learning a new skill and have the satisfaction of knowing you fixed it, instead of paying someone else to do it for you. You just need to take your time, research how to do them and have a go.
Doing simple DIY jobs at home can save you a lot of money.

HOSTED BY P. J. LANE SATURDAY 4 JULY- STATE THEATRE

THE ULTIMATE VEGAS SHOW

PODCASTS

YOU’ RE DEAD TO ME

by Lorna Gordon
topic interesting, and the
chemistry between guests
Something a little
will have you laughing
different in the podcast
along with them.
realm this month,
What I like about
You’ re Dead to Me was
You’ re Dead to Me is how
recommended by a
it challenges the idea that
friend and it does not
history is dull. Instead,
disappoint. If you are
it shows how the past
interested in history
connects to the present in
with a side of comedy, then this
surprising ways, whether
will be right up your street.
through culture, language or everyday
The host is Greg Jenner, who is also
habits.
one of the writing team for the kids
With episodes lasting around 45
show,‘ Horrible Histories’. Greg is joined
minutes, it’ s the perfect length to
by a historian and a comedian in each
listen to on the way to work, a walk,
episode meaning this show isn’ t dry
or while doing jobs around the house.
and dusty, like some history shows, it
You’ ll likely come away having learned
brings characters to life and looks at
something new without ever feeling
some interesting topics.
like you’ ve sat through a lesson.
You can listen to episodes about
If you’ re looking to shake up your
Aztecs, the History of Football, the
podcast rotation with something
History of Coffee, Palaeolithic cave art
entertaining, informative and a little
and the Inca Empire. The mix of expert
bit different, You’ re Dead to Me is well
knowledge and humour keeps each
worth a listen.
Step into the glitz, glamour and electrifying spectacle of Las Vegas as The Ultimate Vegas Show takes centre stage on Saturday 4 July at Sydney’ s State Theatre presenting a dazzling new production that captures the spirit of the world’ s entertainment capital.
Hosted by PJ Lane, this high-energy, star-studded variety spectacular delivers a thrilling fusion of world-class illusion, dynamic dance, circus artistry and show-stopping performances.
Paying tribute to iconic legends including Dean Martin and Elvis Presley, Australia’ s leading impersonators headline a spectacular lineup, supported by a sensational cast of glamorous Vegas showgirls and showboys. Lavish costumes, breathtaking choreography, jawdropping magic and striking visual effects combine to create an unforgettable theatrical experience.
Produced by acclaimed showman Michael Boyd( Cabaret De Paris, Mystique, Circus of Illusion), this 90-minute extravaganza is packed with non-stop entertainment.
State Theatre 49 Market Street, Sydney Saturday 4 July 7.30pm $ 59- $ 79 plus handling charges BOOKINGS: www. ticketmaster. com. au / event / 13006470994E2B36

We are giving away 9 double passes to the show – to enter email us at info @ hdinews. com. au using Las Vegas in the subject line. Leave your details – name, address and phone number and tell us why you pick up our publication every month.

14 ISSUE 131 // MAY 2026 theindependentmagazine. com. au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT