TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR GADGETS
SMART WAYS TO FIND BALANCE WITH YOUR HOME TECHNOLOGY
Anew study from IKEA reveals one in three Australians struggle with balancing their use of technology at home, with an imbalance more pronounced among parents (47 per cent).
‘The rising influence of technology in our homes has an effect on our relationships and wellbeing that feels new to us. This is why we sometimes find it hard to balance how we connect and also disconnect at home,’ says Tabitha Krygsman, Interior Designer at IKEA Australia.
Here, we help take the stress out of organising your tech.
Taking two teenage boys on holiday is not for the fainthearted. My husband and I wanted them to experience something new that would tear them away from computers and phones, but not in exchange for my sanity. So it was with trepidation that we boarded the Carnival Spirit with my 16-year-old son Michael and his 17-year-old friend JJ for an eight-day Pacific Islands cruise to New Caledonia.
Would they have enough to do? Would we be able to relax? The answer to those two questions became clear as soon as we boarded.
Carnival Spirit offers so many entertainment options in such a secure and welcoming environment, I didn’t have to worry one bit.
The size and layout of the cabin was impressive. Even with four people, it never felt squashed and there was plenty of room to unpack so we could really settle in for the whole trip.
The best thing about the Carnival Spirit is the freedom it offers. We didn’t see much of Michael and JJ on the sea days, and after dinner each night they did their own thing, including hanging in the gym (the spa in the gym was a popular late meeting point for teenagers). There was also the option of going to Club 02 specifically for teens aged 15 to 17.
We found it was great to catch up with the boys each night over dinner and discuss our days. We opted for the early dining option and enjoyed delicious meals in the Empire Dining Room. Presided over by Dessi, our wonderful maitre d’, the restaurant offers a selection of different meals every night, including healthy options, old favourites, and a chance to try new flavours.
Another favourite for all was the 24-hour pizza bar. And as a treat, my husband Tim and I booked a table for two and sampled some incredible fine dining at the Nouveau restaurant.
What really stood out was the friendliness of the crew. Staff were unfailingly polite, and those we had regular contact with remembered us by name. They work really hard at making sure everyone is having the best experience.
We also loved walking around the ship and seeing large multi-generational family groups really enjoying themselves – playing games together, and teaming up for trivia and karaoke. Both on and off the ship we
enjoyed our tours. On the ship we did the galley, theatre and bridge tours, all highly recommended. On the Isle of Pines we spotted turtles on a boating adventure, then snorkelled. In Lifou, we went on a gentle guided walk through the forest.
We’d go back to the ship in time to enjoy one of the theme nights, or perhaps a cocktail at Alchemy Bar, or maybe even a facial and massage at the on-board spa.
Now I see what my siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends are talking about. They have all enjoyed cruising and this was my first. I am now a complete cruise convert, and know the teen boys will want to join us again on the high seas later this year, and throughout their lives.