Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2017 i Australian Women’s Weekly NZ

“ You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough. ”– Mae West WHEN WE were working on this month’s cover we trawled through hundreds of images of the Duchess of Cambridge. That’s really not too onerous a task when you’re talking about the photogenically gifted Kate. She rarely takes a bad photo. But what struck us more than the beautiful posture, the gorgeous gowns and the glossy hair was that smile. For too many years the royal family was bound by the old traditions – a serious composure, few public displays of affection, the famous stiff upper lip. To many they were inaccessible, disconnected. Thank goodness for Diana, Princess of Wales, who, when she married into the Windsor family in 1981, changed all of that.…

“My life shifts from refugee camps to red carpets. Both can co-exist. And for me, they must.” Are wedding bells in the air at Kensington Palace? It is the question that many in royal circles are pondering, as Prince Harry’s romance with US actress Meghan Markle becomes serious. According to Harry’s friends, the relationship has stepped up a notch, with Meghan having effectively “moved in” with him after Christmas and the pair of them now “inseparable”. While Meghan, who found stardom in the US television legal drama Suits, lives in Toronto, Canada, where the show is filmed, she has been staying with Prince Harry at Nottingham Cottage, his Kensington Palace home, for much of the past few months. They have enjoyed dinner at London’s fashionable Soho House, West End…

• The average New Zealand female weighs 72.6kg and is 162.2cm tall. (2011 University of Otago and Ministry of Health survey.) • The average dress size for a New Zealand woman is 12-14. • 75 per cent of New Zealand teenage girls worry about gaining weight. • 33 per cent of New Zealand teenage girls are teased by family members because of their weight. • 32 per cent of New Zealand teenage girls are happy or very happy with their weight. • 32 per cent of New Zealand teenage girls are unhappy or very unhappy with their weight. (The Health and Wellbeing of New Zealand Secondary School Students in 2012 survey.) • One in three New Zealand women are happy with their weight. • The number of New Zealand women…

“Surely with kids you want the camera on them, not on Wednesday night’s leftovers.” Last week, there was a queue down the hallway of our new apartment. Four removalists, three carpet layers, a painter and two blokes with a piano on a trolley were helping us move in. The piano boys, Bert and Matt, have shifted my piano before. “You planning to practise more this time around?” Bert asks me, sternly. “Your Chopin needs some work.” I promised to practise. They pretended to believe me. At the back of the line stood the MOTH (Man of the House). He’d been up since 6am, at which time he carried the first box of 418 carefully numbered packing cases into our new place. At 6.05am, in keeping with an old McDermott family…

Most women use make-up every day and modern cosmetic innovations can go a long way to helping us put our best face forward. But what if all those dollars spent and minutes in front of the mirror were making us look older instead? As we age, the products and techniques we rely on can begin to fall out of step with what actually makes us look and feel fresh, radiant and youthful. We asked two leading make-up artists about some common missteps that could be adding years to our faces. “Choosing the wrong foundation, and applying too much of it, is the biggest error made by women.” 1 The wrong foundation While the need for a foundation that perfectly matches your skin colour is a given, getting the coverage balance…

Good nature Closing the gap between all-natural and premium quality, two experts in organic skincare celebrate make-up launches this month. The ingredients in Antipodes lipsticks are so close to their natural origin, you could almost eat them. Given that studies prove many women ingest up to 3kg of lipstick in their lifetime, it’s reassuring to find avocado, calendula and evening primrose in this new range of 12 shades. $34 each. Dr. Hauschka has reformulated and extended its colour range, with the new line comprising modern shades and sleek packaging, all with the natural, herb-based heritage the brand is well-known for. TOOLS OF THE TRADE Nudging its top-of-the-line rivals with its design and efficiency, Remington’s new PROLUXE Salon Hair Dryer, $249, and Straightener, $199, boast high-tech engineering designed to protect hair…

Easter being well and truly autumn, the weather is perfect to sit outside for lunch, with the younger ones playing cricket on the lawn until lunch is called. It’s all about having family and friends around you. This leg of lamb with the olives, anchovies, garlic and rosemary – all such natural accompaniments – is cooked at a moderate temperature for a couple of hours, then rested for at least half an hour before carving so those beautiful juices can be shared around and there’s no fighting over the knuckle. The vegetables that accompany the lamb are definitely the taste of autumn, too – the pumpkin, beetroot and the very first of the kale from the garden. Roasted leg of lamb with anchovies and olives SERVES 8 PREP AND COOK…

Cooking has brought me closer to the people I love. I treasure the connections I feel with the beautiful cooks in my life who aren’t physically with us anymore, especially my nan, Edna White, Mick’s mother, Kathleen Goodwin, his grandmother, Imelda Henebery, and my friend, Julie Wilson. They live on in my cooking and in my memory. The point I find myself at is as the parent of three sons who are new adults. They are all still at home right now, but I guess the clock is ticking. Although I have taught them what cooking knowledge I could over the years, I feel an almost desperate need to get all the important recipes, information and tips together, so that when they go, they’re set. My Essential Cookbook is a…

Chocolate marshmallow eggs MAKES 24 PREP AND COOK TIME 30 MINUTES (+ COOLING AND SETTING TIME) 12 (about 200g) small hollow chocolate Easter eggs mini chocolate Easter eggs, small chocolate bunnies, sprinkles, sugar flowers, to decorate MARSHMALLOW 1 cup (220g) caster sugar 3 level teaspoons powdered gelatine 1 cup (250ml) water ½ teaspoon vanilla extract yellow food colouring 1 Score the circumference of the Easter eggs following the seam and split in half (use a knife dipped in hot water, then dry off with paper towel). 2 MARSHMALLOW Combine the sugar and gelatine in a medium saucepan; stir in water. Stir over low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Bring the mixture to the boil and boil, uncovered, over medium-high heat for 7 minutes. Remove mixture from heat and transfer…

“Riesling offers a burst of brightness and character.” Are you part of the riesling revolution? You may laugh, but it’s an actual ongoing campaign by riesling lovers to convince people to drink the versatile, age-worthy and, frankly, utterly delicious variety. It’s hard to know why riesling lacks popularity. The wines are high in acidity, but then so is sauvignon blanc. It can vary in sweetness levels... like pinot gris. So why is sauvignon steady and pinot gris rocketing while riesling needs a cheer squad to keep it in public consciousness? Beats me. I love riesling and I find those I serve it to are equally enamoured. Maybe it’s just that in a country awash in sauvignon blanc and pinot gris, we stick to familiar territory? Read on then, to discover…

SIMPLY CHARMING For Nordic inspiration, check out Maytime’s Broste Copenhagen tableware. These simple, stylish and organic looking pieces create a sense of calm and rustic charm. Broste Copenhagen has a great way of melding Nordic tradition with trends. For stockists, visit maytime.co.nz. Cool find We can’t resist a good Kmart find. Amongst their many affordable goodies, we love this industrial-vibe storage locker – it’s perfect for the kids’ bedroom or living area. Hide all your unwanted clutter inside and display your favourite bits and bobs on top. $75, kmart.co.nz RESENE COLOUR CONSULTANT SARAH GREGORY TALKS PAINTING OPTIONS. What is the best way to use Resene testpots? Paint the testpot colour onto a piece of A2 card, leaving an unpainted border around the edge. Colour acts like a chameleon and changes…

Feedback “Thanks for all your feedback from the article in The Australian Women’s Weekly NZ. This was a bit of a new thing for me. I have always been a bit shy, so very rarely done the magazine thing. The team of women who I spent time with doing the story were an awesome bunch. It’s been pretty amazing the number of people who aren’t that interested in politics but have read the mag. Since the mag I’ve also had a number of women contact me who have had breast cancer or who are going through it. I love being able to help in a small way, to – either by phone or email – give them a bit of a positive pep talk. Everyone’s journey is different.” – Nikki Kaye’s…

ROYAL WATCH Still tall in the saddle on the eve of her 91st birthday, Queen Elizabeth II enjoyed the first days of spring with a ride along the banks of the Thames near Windsor Castle. By her side was head groom, Terry Pendry, and her mount was one of her much-loved Fell ponies. The Queen has been riding since she was three and her first pony was a Shetland called Peggy. Her Majesty rides regularly and breeds Shetland, Highland and Fell ponies. Style Queen The Queen has resumed her duties with style and energy after suffering a heavy cold. From far left: In magenta at an exhibition of Pacific art; catching a train to London in an overcoat of mint green; a turquoise theme on Valentine’s Day; a royal blue…

I meet the famously elusive Bic Runga in a tiny suburban café. It’s a steamy Auckland summer’s day. I arrive, a sweaty puddle. Bic, on the other hand, joins me looking cool and fresh-faced in a simple blue chambray sun-frock. Her trademark dark bob framing a face devoid of make-up and wrinkles, she could be 16. She has recently celebrated her 41st birthday. Bic (pronounced Bec) is an icon of the New Zealand music scene. She has won more Tuis than any other artist. At last year’s New Zealand Music Awards she received the Legacy Award and became the youngest inductee into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame. She has also been created a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to music. She remains,…

When Kiwi entrepreneur Charlotte Devereux’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease six years ago, she lost more than just a parent; she lost her business partner and her friend. “When Mum first got Alzheimer’s it was almost like going through a death,” says Charlotte. “She was very vital and an incredible businesswoman and she was also my best friend – I talked to her about everything. Losing that meant I lost Mum, and for about a year every day when I was with her I would cry.” The mother/daughter duo started Egg Maternity Wear in 2001 when Charlotte was pregnant with her first child Jasmin. Egg expanded into Australia and Asia and the pair worked and travelled intensively together. Charlotte first realised something was wrong when Colyn started experiencing some…

“ At any time, their bodies just stop. ” It’s not uncommon for parents to lovingly joke their clumsy toddlers may need a crash helmet. Yet, for the past five years, crash helmets have been standard attire for Melbourne sisters Jaeli and Dali Williams. Every day, whether at school, kindy, the shops, while playing in the sandpit or eating at the kitchen table, Jaeli and Dali have had to wear protective head gear because they suffer seizures. “We were walking along one day and Jaeli just dropped to the floor unconscious,” says their mother, Danielle Williams. “She fell flat onto her face and broke a tooth. During another seizure, she fell backwards and smashed her head on a cornice at home and was rushed to hospital. We are haunted by…

Active support When you’re out for a run you want bounce in your step, not in your bust! Triumph has the ultimate solution for active women looking for style and comfort during their workout – the Triaction sports bra range. Launching this autumn, the new collection is on trend, supportive, comfortable and lightweight. In several styles, Triumph Triaction promises up to 78 per cent bounce reduction . Label love K&K’s new autumn collection blurs the line between casual and cool. Featuring rich autumnal hues of burgundy, khaki and navy and embracing trends like embellished cut-outs and lace detailing, the range brings subtle glam to your everyday look. kandk.co.nz Stitch creativity Embroidered detailing has taken the fashion world by storm, praised for the beauty it adds to understated garments. Add some…

Celebrity hair trends: Cuts Pros in the know, Kenneth Stoddart (far left) and Marc Armstrong (left), offer their tips on how to make the most of your luscious locks. 1 EYE-LENGTH FRINGE “Fringes are all over the runways at the moment, at all different lengths,” says retail pharmacy hair director Kenneth Stoddart. “In this case, we have the eye-skimming fringe. I have always been a lover of the peek-a-boo fringe, as it draws attention to the eyes and is also a bit playful. Keep the ends of the fringe slightly feathered, as it makes it softer and more wearable. This style suits long faces, because it shortens the length of the face.” 2 BLUNT SHOULDER-LENGTH The blunt shoulder-length cut favoured by Natalie Portman (above) was adopted by many Hollywood celebrities…

Mother, midwife, marathon-runner and published author – Nicola Miller-Clendon had all her hopes and dreams set in motion. Her days were busy and full – working in birthing units, dropping off and picking up her five kids, and exercising whenever she got the chance. To unwind she would relax in her secluded family home in the Auckland suburb of Remuera, listening to the native birds and cicadas singing. But that all changed four years ago. “I woke up one morning and I couldn’t see. It lasted for an hour. If I’m honest, I don’t know why I wasn’t more scared,” says the now 51-year-old. “I guess when something bad happens you try to rationalise it until it doesn’t seem like such a big deal any more. “The next morning it…

Tandoori chicken skewers SERVES 4-6 PREP AND COOK TIME 25 MINUTES (+ MARINATING TIME) ½ cup (135g) tandoori paste 1½ cups (420g) natural yoghurt 1.5kg chicken thigh fillets, cut into 3cm pieces 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil roti or wraps cooking spray ½ (85g) red onion, chopped very finely 1 bunch coriander leaves, chopped, plus extra, to serve 1 teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon salt juice of 1 lemon lemon wedges, to serve 1 Combine the tandoori paste, ½ cup of yoghurt and chicken. Thread the chicken onto skewers. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight. 2 Brush a char-grill with the oil. Place the skewers onto grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the chicken is browned and cooked through. 3 Spray roti with oil and…

The big chocolate cookie MAKES 16 PREP AND COOK TIME 25 MINUTES (+ REFRIGERATION TIME) 2 cups (300g) plain flour ½ cup (50g) cocoa powder ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda ½ teaspoon salt 180g butter, softened 1 cup (220g) brown sugar ¼ cup (55g) caster sugar 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract 1 egg 1 egg yolk 1 cup (190g) milk chocolate chips 100g dark chocolate, chopped Nutella, to serve, optional 1 Sift the flour, cocoa, bicarbonate of soda and salt into a bowl. In a large bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugars until pale and creamy. Beat in the extract, egg and egg yolk until just combined. Fold in the sifted dry ingredients. Stir in three-quarters of the choc chips and three- quarters of the chopped…

Hot cross buns MAKES 16 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR (+ PROVING TIME) ¾ cup (180ml) milk 1½ tablespoons honey 1½ tablespoons grapeseed or vegetable oil 50g butter, chopped ¾ cup (180ml) apple or pear juice, at room temperature 7g sachet dry yeast 1 egg, at room temperature ½ cup (80g) dried currants ½ cup (80g) sultanas 4 cups (600g) bread flour (see Test Kitchen tips) 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon fine salt FLOUR PASTE ½ cup (75g) plain flour 1 tablespoon caster sugar ⅓ cup (80ml) cold water, approximately GLAZE 1 tablespoon caster sugar 1 teaspoon powdered gelatine 1 tablespoon water 1 Heat the milk in a small saucepan until hot; remove from heat. Add honey, oil and butter; stir until butter has melted. 2 Whisk juice…

1. Sweet spot 2016 FRAMINGHAM WINES ‘SELECT’ MARLBOROUGH RIESLING $35 It’s impossible to discuss NZ riesling without mentioning Framingham, whose amazing winemaker Andrew Hedley is responsible for many of its most delicious examples. This is a later-harvested wine, richly intense, pure, poised and perfect. Savour slowly. 2. Southern star 2016 MAUDE ‘MT MAUDE VINEYARD’ DRY CENTRAL OTAGO RIESLING $25 Wanaka-based Maude Wines makes a wonderful array of wines, with two excellent rieslings. This dry version is fresh with delicate apple blossom and citrus notes leading to a crunchy, tangy, very finely balanced palate. If you’d fancy a sweeter version, their East Block is equally good. 3. Dry delight 2016 TE WHARE RA ‘SV5182 D’ MARLBOROUGH RIESLING $28 From an organically grown vineyard, this is a lively wine, perfumed with limes,…

“ The spirit of the hope chest is surely as relevant as ever. ” In March of 1912, it was the talk of the townships. “A new fad,” declared the headline in the Taranaki Daily News, Wanganui Herald, Central Otago Gazette, Oamaru Mail and Southland Times. In the Manawatu Times, this trend featured on page seven, in a column sandwiched between an advertisement for Van Houten’s Cocoa – “for Strength, Purity, Digestibility and Delicious Flavour” – and a report about the local chrysanthemum show. “American girls,” wrote the anonymous correspondent, “meet at different homes, spend the afternoon working for what they call their ‘hope chest’ and then have a sociable cup of tea. The girls of former days have done much the same work with the same hopes, but only…

Micro-greens are green veg picked when they first start to shoot. They are sweet and tender, nutritious and very easy to grow. MICRO-GREENS ARE MAGIC You can grow them anywhere, any time and they are incredibly fast growing. All you need is a sunny spot indoors or outside, potting mix, slow-release fertiliser and scissors. HOW TO BEGIN Fill your pot, tray or even styrofoam box with drainage holes with a high-quality potting mix. (Beware the cheaper potting mixes that are a coarse, acidic mix of just slightly rotted wood chips.) Scatter seeds on thickly, about 2mm apart, but don’t go mad trying to be accurate. Try mixing two parts sand with one part seed to keep seeds from clumping together. Depending on the seeds used, they may need a fine…

See What I Have Done by Sarah Schmidt, Hachette. “In the end, I thought the only way to make these horrible dreams end was to write them down. And that was how the book started.” “I wiped my hand across my mouth, tasted blood... I watched blood river down his neck... The clock on the mantel ticked, ticked. I walked out of the room, closed the door behind me and made my way to the back stairs... ‘Someone’s killed Father.’” This dark, creepy, tactile novel is a retelling of the real life story of Lizzie Borden, who was tried and acquitted for the brutal axe murders of her father and stepmother in the town of Fall River, Massachusetts, in 1892. Lizzie’s case captivated the US at the time and…

A lovely reminder It was good to be reminded how great the film The Castle is. I’ve seen it several times and, apart from a good laugh, it also made me realise how much the film challenged my own stereotypes. Who, for instance, would willingly choose to live at the end of the runway at Melbourne Airport? The Kerrigans did, and with big power pylons and wires. Great stuff! SARA KEEN Fabulous issue Congratulations to your team on a really great March issue. Every page I turned kept offering a new and interesting article. I loved the mix of feature stories, with interesting profile pieces on Nicole Kidman, Drew Barrymore and Princess Margaret. Nikki Kaye’s story was inspirational and the relevant political articles, The Trump Effect and From First Daughter…

Kensington Palace, a 300-year-old bastion of wealth and splendour in the heart of London, currently shudders to the sound of work crews and the clatter of well-shod courtiers hurrying to strategy meetings. There is much to do and only so much time, for soon the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will make the palace their main home, and in effect re-launch themselves as the real royal thing. Their relaxed – too relaxed, according to their critics – sojourn in the English countryside is coming to an end. From it, promise their team, will emerge a new-look William and Kate, dedicated to duty and determined to silence their doubters. The brief, official announcement of the move merely stated that: “Their Royal Highnesses are keen to increase their official work on behalf…

With her brilliant red and orange spectacles and a necklace of multicoloured pompoms, Taryn Brumfitt stands out in a crowd. She is vivacious, laughs often and isn’t afraid to upload videos of her zany dance moves – in short pyjamas, jiggling her thighs – on social media, trying to impress talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. This is, after all, the Australian woman who boldly posted before-and-after photos of her changing body on Facebook in 2013: the before – taut and toned, the perfect bikini body; the after – tastefully naked with curves, stretch marks, and no spray tan. From obsessed and unhappy, to healthy and happy. Those pictures went viral, made headlines around the world and, says Taryn, “broke people’s brains, to think a woman could love her body afterwards.”…

“ If you are never left alone to live your life, you don’t feel alive. ” Michelle Williams arrives at the restaurant straight off a seven-hour flight from New York to Los Angeles – and I mean straight. No make-up whatsoever, yet her skin has a head-turning luminosity. Her ultra-blonde, boyish cropped hair somehow seems to make her look uber-feminine – waif-like in a denim jacket and a loose boho dress. Even the hip LA crowd can’t help but gawp. There was a time when she minded the gawping – a time when she was hounded and hunted by paparazzi wanting to get a glimpse of her pain when her ex- but much-loved boyfriend Heath Ledger, the father of her daughter Matilda, died of an accidental overdose in January 2008.…

“Just trust your instincts and do what is right for your family.” Parenting has to be one of the most challenging journeys any of us embark on. It doesn’t help that we have such impossible ideals of motherhood, such as some fairytale figure in a flowery apron, always calmly smiling and coping with whatever is thrown at her, as she whips up a batch of scones before driving the kids to sports practice. I remember a conversation with mothers at the school gate about all the activities their kids were up to. I’ve never forgotten the reproachful look I got from one when she heard I hadn’t yet enrolled my kids in Suzuki violin. However, I did quickly learn that there’s no rule book, no one setting tests – and…

What colours and patterns should I embrace this autumn? I want prints and colours that are on trend but will make me appear slimmer. Can you give me some guidance? Autumn is a wonderful time of the year for fashion. You get to dress up, add layers and certainly have fun with colour, patterns and prints. I’m noticing big, bright colours for the cooler season like military greens, reds of all hues, deep midnight blues and the fabulous pink. As far as patterns, prints and themes go, I’ve seen a lot of glam (vinyl and velvet), opulent fabrics and designs (pleats and shiny fabrics/ materials), patterns with wilderness prints and tartan fabrics of all shades. As a general rule, wear darker colours on your bottom half, lighter colours with embellishments/interest,…

1. If you can’t spare the time waiting for a traditional face mask to set, try the new trend for sleeping masks – silky, supercharged treatments that form a protective veil over skin and don’t need to be rinsed away. Apply the vitamin-charged Shiseido Ibuki Beauty Sleeping Mask, $65, as the last step in your nightly skincare regimen. 2. Take a proactive approach with Avon Anew Retroactive Youth Extending Night Cream, $27, which tackles microdamage that occurs underneath the skin’s surface before wrinkles are visible. 3. Dermalogica Pure Night Nourishing Overnight Treatment Cream, $136, keeps skin clear and luminous by treating pigmentation and preventing new brown patches forming. 4. Refresh dull, stressed and tired skin with antioxidant-rich Lancôme Energie De Vie Nuit Overnight Recovery Sleeping Mask, $80, containing goji berry,…

Q Two years ago, after taking an antibiotic for a couple of days only, I developed mouth thrush. I still have a very sore mouth and tongue. Eating or drinking anything not bland and non-fizzy is excruciating, and I only eat because I have to. Can you help? J.M. If the initial problem was treated for thrush, you would have to question the diagnosis. Burning mouth syndrome has many causes, including nutritional deficiency, food allergies, medication side-effect and gastric reflux. Q My mother and now my older sister have recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. I’m afraid I will get it as well. Is there anything I can do to lower my risk? L.O. There is no sure way of avoiding Alzheimer’s disease. You can reduce your risk by never…

Veal with lemon and capers SERVES 6 PREP AND COOK TIME 35 MINUTES 2 cups (500ml) water 1 cup (170g) polenta ¾ cup (180ml) milk ¼ cup (20g) finely grated parmesan 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper 6 (600g) thin veal schnitzels 60g butter 1 tablespoon rinsed baby capers 3 strips lemon rind, sliced thinly ⅓ cup (80ml) lemon juice ¼ cup micro parsley steamed green beans, to serve 1 Bring the water to the boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in polenta; reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring, for 10 minutes or until polenta thickens. Stir in the milk; cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until polenta thickens. Stir in parmesan; season to taste. 2 Meanwhile, sprinkle pepper on both sides of veal. Heat butter in a large frying pan…

“ My great-grandmother used to enter cakes, honeys and jams in shows as well. ” Carrot cake NATALIE EMERY (NEÉ REID) A few years ago, our family put together our own cookbook. My aunty organised for family members as far as England to send their favourite recipes, with a little bit about themselves, too. Some of those people have since passed away, but the recipes they were famous for live on. The recipe book is now lovingly covered in cake mix. My grandmother tells me that my great-grandmother actually used to enter cakes, honeys and jams into shows as well, so I know she is especially proud of me for keeping that alive. I guess it brings back memories for her, too. SERVES 10 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR…

Kiwi favourite April has arrived, which means the iconic kiwifruit is in high supply. Use them to make smoothies, turn them into jam, or top mini pavlovas with whipped cream and fresh kiwifruit slices, adding a drizzle of passionfruit pulp. You can also try eating kiwifruit skin, which is full of fibre. FUN WITH FOOD Make mealtimes fun, because a new study has found that children who play with their fruit and vegetables are more likely to eat them. Researchers believe you can help children overcome their resistance to food such as cucumbers, bananas and tomatoes by giving them permission to touch, handle and even squash them. PROTEIN POWER Protein-rich foods to up your intake: Greek yoghurt: Packed with around 10g of protein per 100g, try it as a substitute…

“Give fun novelty items as well as Easter eggs.” Easter bunny bags These are super cute and, best of all, super easy to make! What you need Makes 2 gift bags 50cm patterned fabric for the lining 50cm of white cotton for the outside of bag Pencil Scissors Sewing machine White cotton thread Black fine-tip marker pen Method 1 If you are using the template provided (right), photocopy and enlarge it to the size you require. Our bags are 15cm wide and 40cm high, so you’ll need to copy the template onto A3 paper. Cut out the paper template. 2 Place fabric pieces right-side down. Using the pencil, trace around the template four times on the reverse side of both fabrics, leaving about 3cm between each bunny. Cut out the…

“ She was eggbound, which I think in midwife terms you call ‘can’t push the bloody thing out’.” By the time you read this I am ever hopeful that I will have a hen house built and ready to take a new flock of chickens. My hen house has been in the planning for a year and my mate Richie who is building it has had a few issues to deal with – mainly me. My chickens will be free-range, but when we’re back in Auckland they’ll need to be left in an enclosure big enough for them to be contained but not crammed together. I wanted it built around an existing tree, and onto an existing shed, and near an existing water tank, and with enough shade for the…

“Fading star Ambrose Hilliard still feeds off his own engorged ego.” Their Finest Starring Bill Nighy, Gemma Arterton and Sam Claflin. Directed by Lone Scherfig. From the director of the most excellent Oscar-nominated film An Education, and the subsequent disappointingly saccharine book adaptation One Day, comes another very British story; and a very watchable British story at that. Based on the 2009 novel Their Finest Hour and a Half, Lone Scherfig once again brings a book to the big screen, this one set in WW2 London during the Blitz. British actress Gemma Arterton hit the big time as a Bond Girl opposite Daniel Craig in Quantum of Solace but has never really managed to build on that momentum. I’m no big fan, but I saw a hint of the same…