Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2016 i Australian Women’s Weekly NZ

“You must trust the small voice inside you which tells you exactly what to say, what to decide.”Ingrid Bergman One of the first things I look at when we’re putting this magazine together is the food section. I eagerly sort through all the recipes searching for something new to try, because the recipes always work. I’m a very average cook so taking any interest in a recipe which has 35 steps, ingredients I have to hunt all over town for and elaborate names I can’t pronounce just isn’t going to happen. I’ve been there, done that and my family have lived to tell the tale of my adventures into gourmet cuisine, which they find hilarious but I find humiliating. The recipes in here are all triple-tested by The Australian Women’s…

“When I look back at my old music videos I feel pretty queasy.” This month, Kiwi music matriarchs Sharon O’Neill, Debbie Harwood and Shona Laing will take to the stage in churches around New Zealand (with Hammond Gamble) for the annual Church Tour. We more often hear about the grandfathers of New Zealand rock – Dave Dobbyn, The Finns and Don McGlashan – but these women, all celebrated musicians and songwriters, are also an integral part of our music identity. Between them they have more than 20 albums, dozens of hit songs, and have clocked up hundreds of hours on the road here and abroad. There have been times when they have wanted to quit – they’ve battled the negative attitudes towards Kiwi music in the 1980s, the fight to…

On July 8, when Delta Goodrem learned her new album, Wings of the Wild, had debuted at number one, it seemed the universe was trying to tell her something. That date has loomed large for Delta ever since July 8, 2003, when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Back then, as an 18-year-old Neighbours star with a record-breaking debut album and national sweetheart status, the devastating news caused her world to capsize. Exactly 13 years later, Delta’s fifth album’s chart success seemed emblematic of another life-changing chapter – one that has brought her full circle, back into the embrace of the Australian public. “It was just strange,” says the 31-year-old singer-songwriter. “The shift with everybody has been phenomenal, back to what I think people felt when they first met me,…

“Send us $50 million or we will deliver your mother’s head in a bag.” Before Bernie Ecclestone, motor racing was a rorty-snorty carnival run by raffish-looking chaps in silk cravats. Chivalry wasn’t Bernie’s thing and his ruthless refashioning of Formula One into the world’s most profitable and glamorous sports franchise made him a lot of enemies. Few of them got the better of Bernie. He may have been short of stature, but he played for high stakes and around him hung a faint air of menace. “Show me a good loser,” he liked to say, “and I’ll show you a loser.” At 85, with billions in the bank, Bernie thought the big challenges were behind him. At the behest of his beautiful, much younger third wife Fabiana Flosi, 39, he…

“The Yohji Yamamoto pinafore had so much black, flappy fabric, I looked like an entire convent of nuns on the move.” So there I was, reading a magazine, and in the fashion chart was an orange patent A-line skirt by the Danish company 2nd Day. My mouth went dry, because I happened to be on a plane. And that plane was en route to Copenhagen, land of the orange patent A-line skirt. My head started to race: I would get my mitts on this skirt in the place of its birth and swank around in it. When my work in Copenhagen was finished, I was due to visit London for meetings with people I was afraid of, but my orange skirt of power would finesse everything. The scary people would…

1. TRESemmé Instant Refresh Translucent Dry Shampoo, $15. Fit in a lunchtime session and ditch the blow dry with a dry shampoo to refresh and boost locks. 2. Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart Hydrating Shield, SPF50, $110. Provides UV and pollution protection, neutralising environmental damage for those who can’t forgo make-up! 3. Weleda Arnica Sports Shower Gel, $21. Freshen up and help heal aches and pains with an invigorating body wash containing arnica. 4. Tangle Teezer in Lemon Sherbert, $28. Detangle tresses with care post-workout. 5. Dove Radiant Skin Face Cleanser, $7.50. A good cleanse before and after exercising will help improve skin tone. 6. Estée Lauder Double Wear Cushion Stick, $69. Touch on, buff and blend, this all-in-one compact cover-up foundation is a perfect size for when you’re on…

SLIPPERY SUBJECT Among many health benefits attributed to it, omega-3 fish oil has been cited as improving cognitive performance. But taking the supplement during pregnancy may not result in smarter kids. The Auckland researchers of a recent fish oil study have found capsules taken by women during pregnancy were not shown to improve the intellectual outcome of their offspring when assessed in early or mid-childhood. GET THE APP A newly released health app has rapidly surpassed both Tinder and LinkedIn in popularity and is currently the number one most downloaded medical app in the country. Developed by doctors, the app asks users a series of questions and uses this information to predict the most likely cause of the symptoms they are experiencing. Download Ada free from your app store. Fatigued…

Guinness and lime rump steak with onion marmalade SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 45 MINUTES (+ MARINATING TIME) 1½ cups (375ml) Guinness stout 2 limes (130g), rind finely grated, juice squeezed 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon leaves, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped finely 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes 1/3 cup (80ml) extra virgin olive oil 1 piece (800g) middle cut rump steak 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley leaves oven fries, to serve ONION MARMALADE 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3 large (600g) red onions, sliced thinly ½ teaspoon sea salt flakes 1½ tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar ½ cup (125ml) red wine 1 Add the stout, rind and juice, tarragon, garlic, pepper, salt and olive oil to a large shallow dish.…

Chocolate freckle biscuit slab MAKES 15 PIECES PREP AND COOK TIME 25 MINUTES (+ STANDING TIME) 125g cream crackers 150g butter, chopped 2/3 cup (150g) caster sugar 200g dark chocolate, chopped finely ¼ cup (65g) 100’s & 1000’s 1 Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). Grease a 25cm x 38cm Swiss roll pan; line base with baking paper, extending the paper 5cm over long sides. 2 Place biscuits in a single layer in pan (trim to fit if necessary). 3 Combine butter and sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat; cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until butter melts. Increase heat to high; cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until sugar dissolves and mixture is well combined and bubbling. Remove from heat; pour over biscuits, spreading to cover evenly.…

“The rich history and rugged remoteness have left a colourful legacy.” New Zealand is blessed with a diversity of wine regions, each one a unique mix of climate, varieties and wine styles – and of course, people. Gisborne is the country’s third largest wine production area but often flies under the radar thanks to its more out-of-the-way location. But its setting is what truly contributes to Gisborne’s special character. The first part of the country to see the sun each day – and usually the first region in the country to harvest grapes – Gisborne’s mild, sunny climate and fertile plains have long delivered rivers of generously fruited wines. The region’s rich winegrowing history (vines were first planted in 1850) and rugged remoteness have also left a colourful legacy of…

“Fun and funky, these cushions add interest to a bed or couch.” Inspired by traditional weaving and basket-making techniques these knotted cushions are a fun adornment for couches, beds or chairs. You don’t need to be a sewing expert to make them – but you might need to exercise a little patience as you learn to tie the knot! What you’ll need • Three strips of stretchy (jersey knit) material, each measuring 2m long x 18cm wide (or alternatively one 6m x 18cm length) • Pins • Sewing machine • Needle and thread to match fabric • Safety pin or peg • Cardboard wrapping-paper tube (or make your own tube with cardboard and Sellotape) • 1 litre polyfill stuffing (craft fill) or old pillow stuffing • Long wooden dowel Steps…

“To prevent your cutting boards from slipping on a shiny benchtop, cut a piece of non-slip shelf lining. It will fit under any sized board and both sides of the board can still be used.”J. Twyford ASK THE AUSTRALIAN WOMEN’S WEEKLY Q: My silk shirt label says “Dry Cleaning Recommended”, but can I wash it instead? D. Murray Yes, if it doesn’t say “Dry Clean Only”. Handwash in lukewarm water with a tablespoon of hair shampoo, then rinse in lukewarm water with a big dash of white vinegar. Don’t wring – hang to dry in the shade. No more odours Before throwing used tea bags into the garbage, store them in an open jar in the fridge, where they will absorb any odours and keep your fridge smelling fresh. Start…

“Calling the shots at this superbowl of fashion is Anna Wintour.” The First Monday in May Starring Andrew Bolton, Anna Wintour, John Galliano and Jean Paul Gaultier. Directed by Andrew Rossi. Your spring dose of fashion porn is here, so polish up your Prada pumps and get thee to your nearest cinema – The First Monday in May has landed! If you’re anything like me, early in May each year you will be glued to your device as the red carpet rolls out for the Met Gala in New York. Even the Oscars’ red carpet pales in comparison to the Met Gala, as Hollywood really does embrace the haute in haute couture – where it’s all or nothing and sometimes either will do (I’m talking to you Madonna). It’s a…

1. FRAGRANT BLOOM Linden Leaves has released its beautiful new ‘In Bloom’ collection, which includes a new addition, a stunning copper-lidded candle. The candles are hand-poured using environmentally friendly natural soy wax and multilayered with fine fragrance in either a modern floral (Pink Petal) or a fresh Green Verbena scent. RRP $49.99. Visit www.lindenleaves.com. 2. A LITTLE LUXURY Palmolive Oil Infusions Body Moisturisers are luxurious, deep-hydrating formulas enriched with infusions of botanical oils. The non-greasy formula penetrates deeply to moisturise and rejuvenate, leaving your skin smooth, hydrated and lightly fragranced. Available in Jasmine with Avocado Oil, Citrus with Jojoba Oil, and Rose with Macadamia Oil. RRP $9.99, 400ml. $5.99 200ml 3. NATURALLY IN CONTROL Mazda3 has sophisticated styling and sports performance while achieving outstanding fuel economy. It uses intuitive technology…

Gardeners live by seasons In summer, we fret about drought predictions, try to beat the birds to the sweetest strawberries and take bets on when our first heirloom tomatoes will ripen. In autumn, we stock our pantries with homemade preserves and marvel at the pyrotechnic striptease performed by deciduous trees before we rake their fallen leaves into piles to feed our compost heaps. Come winter, we worry about Jack Frost’s damaging nocturnal dalliances and wonder whether our gumboots will spring a leak in all the mud, but then spring arrives and it’s all forgotten as we get stuck in: sowing, planting, weeding, feeding – and celebrating the sense of renewal and optimism that goes hand in hand with the new growing season. May this calendar bring you lots of pleasure…

Seasonal tasks Remove the foliage around bunches of grapes and cover the vines with bird netting. • Cut off the old canes of raspberries, boysenberries and blackberries once they’ve finished fruiting. • Buy spring-flowering bulbs, such as daffodils, freesias, hyacinths and tulips. For a better show, chill tulip bulbs in the fridge for six weeks prior to planting. Sow and plant Plant Italian and curly parsley for soups and stews. • Transplant colourful Swiss chard seedlings. The Rainbow Lights blend includes several psychedelic shades and has a milder flavour than green Fordhook Giant silverbeet. • As summer crops come to an end, sow green manure or cover crops in empty beds. Mustard germinates rapidly, feeds bees and is a natural soil steriliser. Harvest Make a big batch of pesto from…

Seasonal tasks Protect citrus trees from Jack Frost’s icy fingers. Spray with organic wax-based liquid frost cloth (apply every 6-8 weeks) or cover with loosely draped polyethylene. • Cover your compost heap with a plastic tarpaulin or carpet offcuts to keep the rain off. Cold, wet compost soon stops breaking down. • Slippery when wet? Apply moss and mould killer to timber decks and paved patios. Sow and plant Celebrate the winter solstice on June 21 by planting garlic. Source organic bulbs and plant the fattest outer cloves 5cm deep in free-draining soil enriched with manure and compost. • Sow broad beans for spring. Did you know you can eat their leafy tips? Steam as per spinach • Sow climbing peas. Sugarsnap is sweet, tender and prolific. Harvest Cut, don’t…

Seasonal tasks Prepare your soil for spring planting. Dig in green manure crops sown in autumn, compost and sheep pellets or dress with a general NPK fertiliser. Let the soil settle for a fortnight, then hoe out germinating weeds. • Cover strawberry beds with bird netting. Don’t use fine insect mesh as strawberries taste sweeter if pollinated by bees. • Sow a patch of summer wildflowers for bee fodder. Sow and plant Plant certified virus-free seed potatoes in trenches and mound up the soil. New season’s potatoes such as Jersey Benne and Cliff Kidney can be planted 40cm apart but main croppers such as Agria or Summer Delight need 60-80cm each. Note: too much compost causes scabby skins. • Sow beetroot, carrots, coriander and Florence fennel. • Keep sowing capsicums,…

Seasonal tasks Start a new compost heap in a sunny spot, layering nitrogen-rich green waste (grass clippings, vege scraps and spent crops) with carbon-rich brown material (fallen leaves, twigs and stems). • Feed lawns. Lift your mower blades a notch over summer. • Stake dahlias, delphiniums, hollyhocks and other tall perennials. Sow and plant • Sow baby Lebanese cucumbers. The variety Iznik Mini is super-prolific, producing up to 100 crisp, tender fruit. • Pot up dwarf cherry tomatoes such as Tumbling Tom and MiniBelle. Feed fortnightly with liquid fertiliser, and water daily when it gets hotter. • Sow Genovese Giant basil for pesto – it has the largest leaves. For salads, sow the cute Greek Mini or Mrs Burns Lemon basil, which has a zesty citrus flavour. • Plant and…

Pearl of wisdom “When roasting potatoes with meat, sprinkle a little sugar on bottom of dish. Potatoes brown deliciously.”Aunt Daisy. Our Olympians did us proud I have such great admiration for all Olympic competitors, no matter where they come from, as they are all working towards a dream... and reading the story on Our Olympic Hopefuls [August issue] inspired me with pride and joy! New Zealand is a small nation, in the big scheme of things, so it was exciting to see how our athletes, swimmers, rowers and other competitors really showed their mettle in not only their abilities but also in their behaviour at Rio. Unless you have been there, living in an Olympic village, it’s really difficult to imagine what stresses and trials they faced each day. From…

“At 80, I’ve come to my senses about men.” Sun is streaming through the white plantation louvres and dancing across the chiselled cheekbones and oceanic eyes of one of Australia’s most famous and beautiful faces. The camera shutter chatters excitedly; a wry smile, a head tilt, a searching gaze and there it is, frame after frame, a perfect take. The icon in front of the lens is Maggie Tabberer and, yes, even in her 80th year, as our photo shoot attests, she’s still got it. Earlier, in front of the bathroom mirror, Maggie executed the perfect head wrap – a magical manoeuvre culminating in what has become her trademark jauntily angled turban. “I’ve got no hair to speak of these days, darling, so I have drawers full of these things,”…

“ I was a silent observer for a long time. I learnt how to assess risk, how to protect myself and be compliant.” I first met Heather Henare nearly 10 years ago when she was heading the Women’s Refuge movement. I have long been horrified by the violence that so many women and children encounter daily in their own homes, generally at the hands of the very people who should be their greatest protectors. It was Heather who asked me to become a patron of the movement. She is very difficult to refuse. The depth of her concern for the people she serves is compelling. She is generous with her time and energy – so generous that it took a toll on her health and caused her to take stock.…

“Readers may remember the excitement of parents bringing back a transistor radio.” It’s travelling time again… I head off on one of my cooking tours about this time of the year, and you know what? I’ve decided I absolutely adore airports. I’m really mad for them. I like the strange beauty of airport architecture – Dubai and Hong Kong are particularly space-age and fascinating. And all those little shops and the samples of every known perfume in the world… I love trying dabs of fabulously expensive eye cream and serums. And yes, I would like to sample that 28-year-old single malt Scotch whisky, thank you – even though it’s only 8.45 in the morning! I hadn’t travelled overseas until I was in my early 20s. My parents had been once…

At one time or another, we have all splurged on an expensive beauty product only to subsequently find one with a cheaper price tag that does much the same thing. Yet most of us believe you get what you pay for – that a pricier beauty product is better in quality and will probably have greater benefits. The truth is there are plenty of inexpensive choices available that are just as effective as their premium counterparts. According to a Statistics New Zealand survey, Kiwis aged 15 and over spend a total of about $457 million on beauty products, perfumes and deodorant each year. To help you save in your beauty cupboard, we’ve rounded up our favourite lower-cost beauty products for body, hair and face, most of which are $20 or…

“It is important to eat mindfully, with healthy food choices, chew carefully and don’t rush.” Q Do you have any tips on anger management? I look after my grandkids to help my children, but find myself getting upset at their untidiness and reluctance to help. I’ve tried running round the garden screaming, which helps, but I don't want my grandkids to suffer from my temper. D.O. Step back from the responsibility for your grandchildren for a while. It is your children’s turn to parent their children. Help out when it suits you, by all means, but on your own terms. Explore activities you enjoy and the time you spend with your grandchildren will be better quality time. Q My husband and I want to take our baby to China, but…

“Oven-fried” chicken wings with sticky sauce SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR 1 cup (150g) plain flour 2 tablespoons smoked paprika 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon onion powder 2 teaspoons ground dried oregano ½ teaspoon ground chilli 1 teaspoon finely ground white pepper 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 teaspoons fine table salt 2kg chicken wings olive oil spray ½ cup (140g) tomato sauce ½ cup (140g) sweet chilli sauce ¼ cup (60ml) light soy sauce ¼ cup (60ml) white vinegar Spring onions and sliced small red chillies, to serve 1Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan-forced). Line two large oven trays with baking paper. 2 Combine the flour with the dry ingredients in a large bowl. 3Separate the wings at the joints by cutting through…

TREAT FISH BURGER NUTRITION 2876kJ; 40g fat (10.7g sat); 20g protein; 60g carbohydrate SERVES 4 PREPARATION 10 MINUTES COOKING 30 MINUTES 4 Sealord Potato Crumb Hoki Fillets 4 burger buns, halved ½ cup salad greens 4 gherkins, thinly sliced ½ cup tartare sauce 1. Preheat oven to 200ºC (190ºC fan bake). Place fish fillets on a lined baking tray and cook according to packet instructions. 2. Split the burger buns in half and warm through in the oven. 3. Top the bun with a dollop of tartare sauce, the fish fillet, salad greens, sliced gherkin and season with salt and pepper. HEALTHY FISH WITH ASPARAGUS & ROASTED TOMATOES NUTRITION 1401kJ; 15g fat (1.7g sat); 17g protein; 30g carbohydrate SERVES 3-4 PREPARATION 5 MINUTES COOKING 30 MINUTES 9 vine tomatoes 1…

“I threw myself in the deep end when I moved into this property.” For Amanda Coutts, it was merely a matter of time before she would relocate back to her roots and settle in the country. Growing up in rural Victoria, country life was always something she craved to return to. “After living in Brisbane as a teenager through to my adult years, I knew the country lifestyle was where I wanted to go back to; I threw myself in the deep end when I moved into this property, but I knew what to expect as a country girl,” says Amanda. Amanda, who owns a business that specialises in handmade leather goods, shares her hinterland home with her two sons Charlie, 12, and Pedro, nine, and their two beloved…

“Some women covet diamonds; I have a weakness for glittering lead glass goblets and candy compotes.” Here’s a word I’ve never before heard: scrying. Nostradamus was apparently pretty adept at it, although these days scrying – better known as crystal ball gazing – is a skill more commonly associated with fairground gypsies telling teenagers their fortunes behind crushed velvet curtains. I don’t own a crystal ball, unless you count the extravagant Lee Broom hand-cut crystal pendant light I splashed out on a few years ago. Broom, a clever young thing once described by The Guardian as “to furniture what Marc Jacobs or Tom Ford are to fashion”, was named British Designer of the Year in 2012, the year he started manufacturing bespoke lead crystal lights inspired by the whiskey decanters…

The prize for the richest lemon scent goes to... not lemons, but lemongrass oil. Lemongrass cultivars vary wildly when it comes to the intensity of their lemony-ness, so sniff before you buy to get a truly fragrant one for making lemongrass tea or tender stems for cooking. Needs: Sun for best flavour. Bring your potted lemongrass plants indoors in frosty winters. LEMON VERBENA Large deciduous shrubs, wonderful to brush against, excellent for teas. Needs: Full sun and can survive all but the most freezing climates. Needs regular pruning. LEMONS As well as the fruit, try young lemon leaves in salads, or use the branches as skewers when grilling, for added flavour. Needs: Mild frost to sub-tropical climates, full sun to dappled shade and excellent drainage (but adequate moisture), and feeding…

“I felt a great need to identify what racism is like in my country.” Popular novelist Jodi Picoult is an author who likes to get to grips with issues that affect our lives. In My Sister’s Keeper she dealt with a teenager with leukaemia, in Perfect Match, it was child sexual abuse, and in The Storyteller two of the characters were a Holocaust survivor and a former Nazi SS guard. In fact, when a reviewer described The Storyteller as chick lit, Jodi replied: “I actually break up laughing. Because that is the worst, most depressing chick lit ever.” “I write women’s fiction,” she told British newspaper The Telegraph. “And women’s fiction doesn’t mean that’s your audience. Unfortunately, it means you have lady parts.” On the phone from her four hectares…

Virgo Aug 24-Sep 23 For the past six years, you have seen constant financial change affecting your house, bank account, company or apartment. From September 10, you stand to make or save a lot of money, with the first good news by October. Over the next year, you will be given one unforgettable solution and a big opportunity, which have not been possible in over a decade. Life will still be unpredictable until 2018, but at least you can make big gains. A windfall, new income source, raise or gift are possible. Libra Sep 24-Oct 23 Your new look, role or title will be confirmed by the first week of October, but you could be celebrating good news as early as September 10, when Jupiter, the lucky planet, enters Libra,…

Seasonal tasks Check your irrigation system for leaks and invest in a good-quality, non-kinking garden hose. • Prune back shrubs that have finished flowering. • Give evergreen hedges a light trim. • Thin fruit on young trees to ease the strain on their branches. • If spraying with insecticides, do it on a still, dry day and wait until the bees are back in their hives at dusk. Sow and plant Sow salad seeds direct. You’ll have more success than if you sow seed in trays, as they dry out too quickly in the heat of summer. • Sow parsnips, swedes and Brussels sprouts for winter. Protect these and other brassicas from white cabbage butterfly caterpillars. • It’s not too late to pot up chillies, as you can move the…

Seasonal tasks Rejuvenate your vege garden soil with a thick layer of organic compost. Dig compost and gypsum into clay soils now too. • Divide perennial herbs such as thyme, oregano and mint. • Lightly rake the soil before scattering wildflower seeds for spring colour. • Turn your compost heap to ensure even decomposition. Sow and plant Sow dwarf peas and snow peas. To stop birds scratching up the seeds, protect the trenches with chicken mesh covers. • Sow bok choy and purple sprouting broccoli for stir-fries. • Sow microgreens in shallow tubs of potting mix. These nutrient-rich sprouts are ready to snip in 3-4 weeks. Try amaranth, baby beets, kale and peas. • Transplant punnets of celery, kale, silverbeet and spinach. Harvest Watch out for wasps when picking…

Seasonal tasks Rake up the last fallen leaves. For free mulch, shovel them into garbage bags with a sprinkle of lime and leave to rot down until summer. • Lay slug and snail bait around emerging spring bulbs to protect the flower buds. • Plant daphne, osmanthus, wintersweet and witch hazel for sweet winter scents. • Fill a vase with fragrant Erlicheer narcissus, the first of the daffodils to bloom. Sow and plant Plant strawberries in free-draining soil. Mound up the soil slightly and side-dress with fertiliser. • Plant asparagus crowns in trenches at least 20cm deep. Spread out the spidery roots in the base of the trench and pile on compost, manure and topsoil. • Take your pick of the new season’s deciduous fruit trees and establish a backyard…

Seasonal tasks Hang pheromone traps in blossoming apple trees to lure codling moths. Spray fortnightly if required. • After flowering, feed spring bulbs to encourage a repeat performance next year. • To refresh the soil in containers before replanting, replace a third of the potting mix. Sow and plant Transplant tomatoes. Tomatoes need full sun, sturdy wooden stakes and a reasonably sheltered position. Feed with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser until the first flowers appear, then switch to a potassium-rich blend. • Sow annual herbs including basil, chervil, coriander, dill and fennel. • Sow cucumbers, melons, pumpkins and zucchini direct. • Sow all types of beans, from borlotti to classic Scarlet Runners. They’ll germinate in 7-10 days. Harvest Pick globe artichokes when the thistle-like buds are fist-sized. Steam and serve with garlic…

“Sophie now basks in an influential new role as the 90-year-old sovereign’s personal standard-setter.” A resplendent figure in a shiny limousine, the 52-year-old Earl of Wessex glides through the ornate gates of Bagshot Park into a world that seems barely to notice. Edward looks the business in a heavily-braided RAF commodore’s uniform, and everyone in his entourage knows he will perform the day’s duties impeccably. As does the elegant blonde he has just said goodbye to. The problem for those around the Queen’s youngest child is that his low-profile way of doing things attracts little attention. While the younger royals draw big crowds and generate excited headlines, Edward tends to be portrayed as the “Invisible Prince” – but all this may be about to change. A subtle power shift is…

It’s a chilly afternoon in Melbourne and Offspring’s Kat Stewart is talking to us from her car. She’s parked outside the rehearsal venue of her new play, where her four-month-old daughter has spent the morning with her while she works. After Kat’s chat with us, Gigi will be due for her next feed. It’s a glimpse into the busy life of the popular actress who became a household name with her award-winning performance in Underbelly in 2008, and captured hearts in her role as Billie Proudman over five series of Offspring, which has screened in 11 countries around the world since its debut in 2010. The series five finale (shown here early last year), was to be the last of the much-loved show, which followed the chaotic life of obstetrician…

MARIAN I met Tony at his 30th birthday party. I actually gatecrashed it. He’d invited my friend Susanne, who in turn brought about 27 of her nearest and dearest. It sounds vomit-inducing, but I fancied Tony before I met him. I’d heard he loved Irish music and writers, and that he was a member of the Labour party. He was my perfect man, except he had a girlfriend and I was mired in alcoholism. I was 29 and at my very worst. At the time, Tony was living in London. He was born there, had gone to Cambridge and worked in IT. I was born in Limerick, studied law at Dublin University and moved to London aged 22. I was living in a squat in Hackney with a gay friend…

“I introduced the ‘Do I want to go out or do I want to stay in?’game.” I’m a very private cat. Even though I rarely give interviews, I’m often asked, “What’s it really like living with the McDermotts?” Usually, I open my eyes to see if food is involved. If it isn’t, I go back to sleep. Yet when a magazine as important as The Australian Women’s Weekly pesters you for a “one-on-one”, it’s difficult to refuse. And the fresh sardines by express post were a nice touch. Still, what really got my feline brain thinking about telling my story was the last visit to the veterinarian. Pat always comes with me when I go to the vet. Paperwork has to be done, money changes hands and I simply have…

It’s been a make-up artist’s secret weapon for years, and now the world of contouring has become an internet sensation. Many online tutorials show us how to enhance our facial features through the art of sculpturing with shadow and light, but they often look quite daunting. So is there an easy way to master the art of contouring? We asked expert make-up artist Owen Allison for his step-by-step, easy guide to contouring. “I think women may have been very confused by the concept of contouring, and have often dismissed the idea of even trying, simply because the images they see on the internet or on tutorials look very complicated and scary – but it doesn’t have to be,” says Owen. “When bloggers or make-up artists are doing these step-by-step tutorials…

“ My main focus is to get this test out there. ” It was a chance discovery by all accounts. Fresh out of university after completing a science degree, Dharmica Mistry began working as a lab technician at a small start-up company looking at the association between breast cancer and scalp hair. “One day, I used my own hair as a control and found it gave the same pattern as though I had breast cancer,” recalls Dr Mistry. “There was no reason to suspect that I had breast cancer, so my supervisor, Dr Peter French, quizzed me as to what I had done to my hair. ‘Nothing,’ I replied, before remembering I had sprayed it with olive oil to make it glisten.” It was only then that Dr Mistry and…

Artichoke, green olive and preserved lemon dip SERVES 6-8 PREP TIME 15 MINUTES 1½ cups (240g) whole green olives 280g jar artichokes in brine, drained 1 wedge preserved lemon 1 tablespoon salted capers, rinsed, drained 1 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh lemon thyme leaves 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon verjuice 1 Pit the olives using either a small knife or cherry pitter. 2 Rinse the artichokes under running water to remove all the brine; drain well. 3 Cut the flesh away from the skin of preserved lemon; discard flesh. Chop the skin coarsely. 4 Add all ingredients, except the oil and verjuice, to a food processor. Blend until the mixture…

Basil-olive tapenade with potatoes, pasta, green beans and capers SERVES 4~6 • VEGAN This salad is perfect picnic fare, marrying two outdoor dining staples – potato salad and pasta salad – into one offering. You could experiment with your favourite potato variety and pasta shape. 700g medium sized waxy potatoes, halved 500g short pasta (such as penne, orecchiette or rigatoni) 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 200g green beans, trimmed and halved 3 tablespoons sunflower seeds, toasted 60g salted capers, rinsed ½ cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, finely chopped sea salt BASIL–OLIVE TAPENADE 2 garlic cloves 1 cup basil leaves ½ cup pitted black olives (preferably wrinkly ones) ½ cup walnuts, toasted 1/3 cup (80ml) extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar sea salt and black pepper SUBSTITUTES Potatoes: sweet potato…

Mission possible In a bid to fight the growing impact our diets have on the environment, an American company called Impossible Foods has successfully created a meat-free burger patty that looks, smells, tastes and cooks like beef. A study this year by the Oxford Martin School at Oxford University predicted that emissions caused by food production and other agriculture would within 30 years consume approximately half the world’s carbon budget. By simply reducing our meat consumption to the levels recommended by health guidelines, we could reduce this impact by up to a third. For all the meat lovers among us, foods like the ‘Impossible burger’ will make this easier. Okey-dokey artichoke Globe artichokes are in season this month, so it’s the perfect time to introduce them into your diet. Fresh…

Aussie immigrant Kiwi homewares enthusiasts have a new place to shop with the arrival of Adairs in New Zealand this spring. The Australian retailer is known for fashion-forward, high-quality bedding, towels, cushions, throws, wall art, furniture and contemporary homewares. Their extensive range will be available here online from mid-September, with a store coming to Auckland soon. www.adairs.co.nz Peg it Pegboards have come out of the garage and into the home to provide functional, stylish storage and display solutions. Use them to help clear the clutter and create order in the kitchen, office or sewing room, hanging frequently used utensils on the pegs and arranging cute containers, potted herbs or ornaments on the shelves. Mix and match to suit your requirements and creativity! GEO TRIO Crisp, clean, metal geo shapes are…

“I think giving the gift of preserves is a really lovely thing to do.” One of the greatest pleasures I’ve had up north during winter has been eating the food our land produced over the summer. For the first time since we bought our place, the plum, apple and peach trees produced loads of fruit, which I preserved in old Agee jars, knowing that come winter I would really enjoy making fruit crumble. Which is exactly what happened. In fact, I should probably stop making fruit crumble and get back to the days of not eating dessert! I also made fig chutney from the figs I managed to get before the birds ate them all, and green tomato chutney from the last, unripened tomatoes. Then I successfully made – thanks…

Vietnam’s cities are growing up and this has been met with a tinge of sadness from former visitors and residents. Nostalgic for the authenticity of ramshackle streets, petite girls dressed in flowing ao dai pedalling on bicycles, and street-food vendors jostling with ambling pedestrians, it’s hard to visualise from afar how a modern edge will cut into the inherent charm of Vietnam. So it was with a hint of trepidation that I returned to the country that has remained in my family’s heart since we lived and worked in its most bustling and hectic centre, Ho Chi Minh City, still commonly known by its former name, Saigon. For five extraordinary years I careened along uneven roads on a motorbike, lurching up mountain-sized kerbs to navigate sidewalks, snaking alongside bikes groaning…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ann Patchett American author Ann Patchett was born and raised in Los Angeles until she was six and then moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where she lives with her husband Karl and their dog Sparky. Ann recalls a happy childhood, but says, “I don’t think anyone else in my family was”, which has proved perfect fodder for her novels. Ann says she “can’t remember not wanting to be a writer” and studied creative writing in New York and Iowa. Commonwealth is her seventh novel and she has been shortlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction three times, winning in 2002 with the novel Bel Canto, which also won her the PEN/Faulkner Award. She has been named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world. The…

THE THING I ALWAYS CARRY IN MY HANDBAG IS… Mints, my phone, M.A.C lipstick in Twig, Nurofen, migraine medication, a tooth pick, reading glasses. At school I wanted to be... COOL. I WANTED DESPERATELY TO BE COOL. I ALSO WANTED TO BE FAMOUS. MY SIGNATURE DISH IS... Pulled pork. My daughter’s boyfriend is a chef and I held him in a choke hold until he gave me his incredible pulled pork recipe. I’ve tweaked it, and it takes all day to slow-cook in the oven, but it’s enough to make grown men cry. I usually get fresh brioche buns, toast them slightly, add my own Japanese slaw with loads of mayo and then the most delish pulled pork. I’m salivating just thinking about it!. MY PERFECT NIGHT WITH FRIENDS IS…

Seasonal tasks Feed citrus trees and ensure they’re regularly irrigated. • Compile a wish-list of flavoursome fruit trees to buy in winter by taste-testing fruit at your local farmers market now. Apples, apricots, nectarines, peaches, pears and plums are all in season. • Pickle and preserve excess fruit and veges, or freeze in 500g portions to deal with later in the year. • Prune stonefruit trees as soon as you’ve picked the last fruit. Sow and plant Sow beetroot, broccoli, cabbages, carrots and cauliflowers for autumn and winter. • Sow radishes and rocket in semi-shade so they don’t bolt straight to seed in hot weather. • Snip off rooted strawberry runners for free plants to share with friends. • Pretty up your plot with edible flowers such as borage, calendulas,…

Seasonal tasks Rake fallen leaves off paths and patios before they rot into a slimy, slippery mess. Layer leaves with grass clippings in your compost heap. • Finish planting spring bulbs and mark where you’ve buried them to avoid accidentally impaling them with your spade before they pop up. • Plant calendulas, marigolds, pansies and polyanthus for winter colour. Sow and plant Sow golf ball-sized baby beets and round Parisian Market carrots in tubs and troughs. • Start onion seeds in trays. Sprinkle seeds of Pukekohe Longkeeper and California Red and lightly cover with seed-raising mix. • Sow peppery wild rocket (arugula) and miner’s lettuce for winter salads. • Plant Italian red chicory and hardy red-leafed lettuces such as Rouge d’Hiver. Harvest Pick sweet dessert pears such as Winter Nelis,…

Seasonal tasks Feed and mulch asparagus beds. • Weeds aren’t always bad news. When weeds start popping up again this month, it’s a sign the weather has turned and the soil is slowly warming up for spring planting. • Once strawberry plants start flowering, the first harvest is only six weeks away. Lay straw or plastic around the plants to keep the ripening berries clear of the soil. Sow and plant Sow heritage tomato seeds in trays of seed-raising mix under a cloche or in a glasshouse. Try Aunt Ruby’s German Green, Black Krim, Brandywine and Oxheart. • Sprinkle mesclun seed mix for spring salads. Sow thickly in containers to snip as baby greens in 3-4 weeks, or in trenches under a plastic tunnel outdoors. • Plant punnets of broccoli,…

Seasonal tasks Feed and mulch roses and give them a deep weekly soak. Healthy roses are less susceptible to pests and diseases. • Keep on top of weeds. Remember the old adage: one year seeding equals seven years weeding! • Don’t overdo it when applying fertiliser to trees and hedges. Excess sappy new growth attracts aphids and produces leaf growth at the expense of fruit. Sow and plant Sow heirloom pumpkins and zucchini. The ribbed zucchini Costata Romanesco is an Italian classic with firm, flavoursome flesh. • Sow a new row of dwarf beans every fortnight for a constant supply. • Plant lettuces for summer. Crispheads like Iceberg don’t like the heat, whereas Cos and Buttercrunch varieties are summer stalwarts. • Sow quick crops of baby kale, microgreens, radishes…