Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2018 i Australian Women’s Weekly NZ

This will be my 14th year celebrating Christmas with little ones in the house. Since our first son, Harry, was born in 2005, followed by his younger brother Gabriel in 2010, Christmas has taken on a whole new meaning – small traditions have crept in and the thrill of seeing their glowing, excited little faces is always the magic of the day for me. “My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple. Loving others.” - Bob Hope Over the years we’ve added a few rituals that make Christmas unique for us. There’s the making of red and green coloured reindeer food which is sprinkled on the lawn and down the footpath to the front door on Christmas Eve – so that there is absolutely no chance of…

The warmer weather is upon us and it’s time to get our gardens back in shape. Fiskars has the perfect tools for all the green thumbs out there – the PowerGear X range. With 3x more power for less effort, the Fiskars PowerGear X range slices through branches effortlessly and efficiently. Our letter of the month writer this month will receive a Fiskars PowerGear X Pruner Bypass, Lopper Bypass and Hedge Shears, worth a total of $250. Writers of other published letters will receive an Australian Women’s Weekly cookbook.…

NEW DIRECTION Sixteen years after she dazzled us with her performance in Whale Rider, Keisha Castle-Hughes is directing her first film. Wellwood, a sci-fi alien saga set in New Orleans, is due out next year. Keisha, now 28, is based in LA. PRE-GAME ROLE Naomi Watts, 50, will star in the upcoming prequel to Game of Thrones. The new series will be set thousands of years before the original. SIMPLY THE BEST KIwi stars turned out in force for the New Zealand Television Awards last month, with Breakfast presenter Hayley Holt taking the coveted people’s choice award of Television Personality of the Year.…

Diane Lane is giggling. She’s just remembered a particular night she spent at the White House a few years back. Barack Obama was still President and Diane was one of the guests at the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner. This is the glittering fundraising bash where journalists mix with politicians, senators and specially invited celebrities, and the President gives a usually pretty funny speech. “When the cast members from House of Cards arrived it was like royalty had walked in, because these people [the politicos] are so in love with themselves and they think that all the plot points are really about them,” Diane explains, still laughing. “It was the penultimate one in the Obama administration and a good time was had by all. It made the Oscars feel like…

1 Step out in style after a treat with Velvet Smooth™ Electronic Foot File – a quick and easy to use at-home experience that leaves you with feet you’ll want to show off! 2 Relieve rough, cracked skin and keep your heels in good condition with Scholl Eulactol Heel Balm Gold. 3 Spray your tootsies with Scholl Fresh Step Antiperspirant Foot Spray before you leave home – it’ll help keep them smelling fresh. To find out more, visit scholl.co.nz.…

Music legend Shirley Bassey sang they were forever. For screen siren Marilyn Monroe, they were a girl’s best friend. If there’s one thing women have in common, it’s our love affair with diamonds. One of the world’s most precious stones, a glittering diamond is a gift we dream to one day receive – from a simple stud earring through to the most elaborate pieces, nothing can compare to the feeling of opening a beautifully-wrapped box to reveal a diamond shining right back at you. Whether you’re buying for your partner, mum, daughter, best friend or as a treat for yourself, diamonds are a deeply thoughtful and personal gift – a classic and meaningful way of telling that someone special you’re thinking of them always. A timeless stone that’s long been…

Our radar is always on in general practice for “red flag symptoms”. Some of these are obvious, like bleeding, jaundice or particular types of pain. Some are more subtle hints of underlying serious diseases that may not be immediately obvious, but can be catastrophic if they are overlooked. In recent years there has been a renewed focus on the awareness of heart disease in women. This is because one in three women doesn’t demonstrate the “typical” symptoms of heart disease that have traditionally been applied to men. The symptoms experienced by women are often vague and non-specific, so they may not trigger a visit to the doctor or emergency department. Rather than the classic gripping left-sided chest pain we usually associate with a need to rush to hospital with suspected…

“Butterflying” is a technique used to cut a thick piece of meat into a flatter, thinner piece for either rolling or to enable shorter cooking time. If you are not confident with doing this yourself, ask your butcher to do it for you. Cake can be made to the end of step 8 a day ahead; refrigerate covered. Stand the cake at room temperature for 1 hour before serving. Decorate the top close to serving as the peaches can discolour. Serve with extra raspberries, ice-cream or whipped cream, if you like.…

Char siu glazed smoked ham 1 Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). If you have a shank end half ham, using a sharp knife, score the rind about 10cm from the end of the leg then remove rind by running your thumb under the skin then carefully pull away the rind, leaving the fat intact. Score the fat at 3cm intervals just through the surface of the top fat. 2 Place the ham on a rack in a large roasting pan lined with baking paper. 3 Combine ¼ cup of char siu sauce, 2 tablespoons of sweet chilli sauce and 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger in a small bowl. Brush the ham with half the glaze and cook for 30 minutes; brush with remaining glaze and cook for a…

Everything red salad SERVES 8 PREP TIME 15 MINUTES Trim 500g bunch each of baby beetroot and radishes, 1 small red onion and ¼ medium red cabbage. Shave vegetables thinly using a V-slicer or mandoline; combine in a bowl with ⅓ cup dried cranberries. Whisk ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika and 1 crushed clove garlic in a jug; season to taste. Pour dressing over salad; toss gently. Kale, sprout and tahini salad SERVES 8 PREP AND COOK TIME 35 MINUTES Place 2 tablespoons sunflower seed kernels in a small dry heavy-based frying pan over medium heat. Stir gently for 3 minutes or until fragrant; cool. Trim 250g kale; shred kale thinly, transfer to a large bowl. Add 1 teaspoon sea…

Chocolate hazelnut ice-cream pandoro SERVES 10 PREP AND COOK TIME 25 MINUTES (+ FREEZING AND STANDING TIME) You will need to start this recipe a day ahead. 700g pandoro (see Test Kitchen tips, page 126) 1 cup (330g) chocolate-hazelnut spread ¼ cup (80g) raspberry jam 1 litre (4 cups) salted caramel ice-cream (see tips, page 126) ¼ cup (40g) icing sugar 250g raspberries thick vanilla custard, to serve, optional 1 Freeze the pandoro for at least 2 hours or until firm. 2 Turn pandoro upside down on a board. Using a long thin sharp knife held at an angle, cut out a 12cm round from the base. The round should look like a wide cone. Cut a hole in the pandoro, as neatly as possible, leaving a 2cm wall all…

1 Golden classic White and gold creates a classic look that never goes out of style. This simple, beautiful table setting relies on the classic white and gold theme that’s so enticing for family and friends around Christmas time. Then to bring your setting to life, simply add a few glamorous – and delicious – extra touches of gold in the form of elegant Ferrero Rocher Cones, Ferrero Rocher 3 Piece packs and the classic individual Ferrero Rocher chocolates. How can you resist? 2 Modern twist Timber and gold combine for a more modern, magical Christmas setting. This warmer, more modern table setting draws on deeper woodland tones, using bold timber and subtle greenery to hint at the fabulous seasonal suggestion of magic, mirth and mistletoe.…

I might be biased, but visiting a winery is surely a great way to spend some time this summer. After all, what better way to learn about New Zealand’s world-class wines, take in a breath of fresh vineyard air and have a bit of fun along the way? You can discover the birthplace of your favourite wine, admire some excellent architecture, and typically you can also expect to eat delicious food and meet friendly people. Our beautiful wine regions boast a wide array of cellar doors ranging in size and sophistication, with occasional bonuses such as art galleries, farmers markets, cheeseries or accommodation. Some of the nation’s best chefs are found in winery restaurants, providing everything from casual brunches through to sumptuous 10-course degustation dining. Winery people love sharing their…

Felt decorations WHAT YOU NEED 1 Using the cookie cutters as your template, trace the outline of the desired shape (a heart, a star, or circle for your plum pudding) onto cardboard. Cut out the cardboard shape. 2 Using the cardboard shape, outline two felt shapes and cut them out. 3 Pin or glue the felt shapes to each side of the cardboard shape. Then blanket stitch around the shape to join the pieces together. 4 Apply trimmings with a glue gun. Hang on your tree using fishing line. Christmas wreath WHAT YOU NEED 1 Create a ring using wire or a coathanger (pic A, below), then wrap your chosen fabric around the ring to…

Do you have an on-trend colour forecast for 2019? Will it be the year millennial pink moves over and introduces another star colour…? Personally, I’m a huge fan and hope it lives on! Here are a few thoughts on what we can expect to see through 2019. Shades of pink will lighten or have tones of peach as opposed to the previous dusky pink. Expect to see deep, moody tones – inky blues, earthen greys, rich greens. Also soft lemon yellow. Burnished reds will become a versatile colour to complement and balance various shades. Bright marine blues for those wanting something a little extra. White interiors will still be in hot demand as will different tones of greys. For inspiration, pick up a Resene Range Fashion fandeck 2020 from your…

The summer holidays mean that many remote areas like the one I live in become overrun with people looking for sun, beaches and fishing. In a matter of days we go from being a sleepy coastal village to a busy tourist attraction. Which is very much welcomed by the people who run businesses for tourists. For the locals, it can be quite another story. I’ve only been here five years, so I’m not a local by any means. I am, and always will be, an Aucklander because it is a hard reputation to get rid of. I was born in Auckland, it’s my turangawaewae – even if I’d rather claim the Hokianga as my marae. But I’ve been here long enough to know that, come summer, “town” – which comprises…

It came as no surprise to me that Succession is the brainchild of In the Loop and The Thick of It writer Jesse Armstrong. This 10-episode first season is a roller-coaster of fast, dark, brutal humour and I loved every second of it. Brian Cox plays ageing media mogul Logan Roy, head of one of the largest, most ruthless media conglomerates in America. His heir apparent, eldest son Kendall, is girding his loins to take over from Daddy, but it all goes badly when Logan collapses and starts knock knock knocking on heaven’s door. This breakneck-pace, modern-day fable is searing with social commentary, reeking of filial politics and is just ridiculously entertaining. Prepare to binge accordingly.…

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23-DEC 21 You may be feeling a little sensitive at Christmas gatherings, meaning someone’s criticism or unsupportive remarks could upset you. It’s best not to give them any fodder, so keep your most-valued thoughts, ideas and achievements to yourself – you don’t need anyone else’s approval, anyway. If you’ve got lots of last-minute tasks to do around the house or concerning family, motivation planet Mars in your zone of home and domesticity will give you a push; unfortunately this alignment sparks family conflicts, so tread carefully. CAPRICORN DEC 22-JAN 20 Been burning the candle at both ends? Of course you have – that’s the hardworking Capricorn’s way. Mercury, planet of brain power, is now in your zone of rest and healing, urging you to slow down and unwind…

1 cup chopped pecan nuts (or walnuts, almonds etc) 250g butter 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons vanilla 1½ cups chocolate chips 1 Spray and line a 20-22cm square cake tin with baking spray and baking paper. 2 Sprinkle chopped pecans in the base evenly. 3 In a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat melt the butter, add the sugar and salt and heat, stirring to prevent catching on the bottom, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is boiling. Continue boiling until a sugar thermometer reaches 135°C. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the vanilla. 4 Pour mixture over the nuts. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the surface and wait until they melt. 5 Spread chocolate in a thin layer to cover the surface. Allow to cool…

It was wonderful to read about Annabel Langbein’s new lease on life. My husband and I are in our late 50s and our youngest son has just left home, so for the first time in 22 years we are on our own. I love it and hate it at the same time. It feels very strange not to have our sons around, but it has given my husband and I the chance to spend time together again. Like Annabel, we are also downsizing and I feel like we are on the verge of a new adventure, a new chapter, which is exciting. Sally Corden…

“I didn’t expect people to be so welcoming, so positive about me being pregnant.” This time last year Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was one of only a handful of people who knew just how historic 2018 was going to be for her. Her prime ministership was already a big deal – she was the second youngest world leader and one of only 10 female heads of government. So the eyes of the world were already on her. But she knew the glare of that spotlight was only going to get bigger. Because last Christmas, Jacinda was pregnant with her first child – and was going to be one of only two female political leaders, ever, to give birth while in office. “At that point, no one else knew,” Jacinda says…

For more than 40 years, Gil Hanly has been documenting turning points in our nation’s history. Her photographs have captured the best and the worst in us. The unity and joy, the frustration and anger, the serene and the ugly. She was there at the Springbok Tour protests in 1981 to shoot a nation divided; she was asked by Greenpeace to document the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior in 1985; she was there on Bastion Point, as Ngati Whatua fought to retain its precious land; and she marched with Maori from Ngaruawahia to Waitangi in the 1984 land hikoi. She shot the Queen Street riots and documented the outrage over the killing of Teresa Cormack. It’s been said that if you had a protest and Gil wasn’t there to photograph…

Fan Bingbing, China’s highest-paid actress, had the world at her feet. Newly engaged to fellow actor Li Chen, another household name in China, she was the face of Luis Vuitton and De Beers Diamonds, a perennial front-row guest at Paris Fashion Week, with wardrobes full of Valentino couture and a sprawling property portfolio rumoured to be worth hundreds of millions of US dollars. In June this year, the X-Men actress was fresh back from Cannes promoting an action flick with Penelope Cruz, had just wrapped Air Strike, a World War II blockbuster with Bruce Willis, and was shooting a sequel to her 2006 domestic smash hit Cell Phone. Enjoying critical acclaim and enormous popularity in her home country, she sat at the top of the Forbes’ rich list of Chinese…

General knowledge 1 Alaska, Ohio and Arizona are three US states that begin and end with the same letter. What’s the fourth? 2 In which human organ would you find the hypothalamus? 3 Where in New Zealand can you find the largest pohutukawa forest in the world? a) Rangitoto Island b) Rotorua c) Stewart Island 4 To the nearest 10km, how far is Wellington by road from Auckland? 5 In which ocean did the devastating 2004 Boxing Day tsunami occur? 6 As of 2018, the five tallest buildings in the United States are all located in New York and which other city? 7 How many people have walked on the moon? a) 8 b) 10 c) 12 8 Which country’s population is forecast to reach 1.6 billion by 2050? 9…

ONE-STOP SHOPPING Get all you need for the months ahead at Farmers. With a range of labels to suit every woman, you are sure to find something you’ll love. Try the Zest floral print dress, $70, for a fresh summer look. Rose beauty Keep it light and breezy with the Roza top, $229, from Bittermoon. Made in New Zealand, Bittermoon encapsulates a modern simplicity with versatility in mind. Available at fashion boutiques such as Magazine. STAR STYLE Take your look to a new stratosphere with the Christmas in Space collection from Pandora or treat someone special to this stellar style. Shards of Sparkle necklace, $219. Look here! Iconic Australian fashion designer Alex Perry has launched a new eyewear collection exclusive to Specsavers. Modern and sophisticated, the collection ranges from soft…

Skin salvation Adding another step to a makeup routine in the midst of summer can seem arduous, but if you’re heading somewhere special and want your make-up to come along (preferably on your face), adopting a primer as a base layer is a smart move. A good one will smooth and flatter, keeping everything where it should be, and making anything worn on top look even better than it would alone. At the end of the day, your priority should be rehydrating your skin. Cleanse with a light gel or oil cleanser and then apply a serum or mask loaded with hyaluronic acid, each molecule of which can retain 1000 times its weight in water. Popping a single-use sheet mask in the fridge for a few minutes before…

No one wants to leave a party early because their feet are uncomfortable. Whether you’re on your feet all day at a wedding or enduring a long day at the office in your flats, uncomfortable feet can really ruin your day. But here’s the good news – keeping comfy in your favourite shoes is made simple with Scholl GelActiv™ Insoles. Providing a solution for all your go-to footwear, whether flat, open or high, Scholl GelActiv™ Insoles fit all your favourite shoes to improve the comfort in your footwear from day to night. If you’re dying to debut your new kitten heels but want them to be cushion-soft all day, give your heels the sneaker feel with Scholl GelActiv™ Insoles Everyday Heels. The ideal comfort fix for everyday shoes with small…

+ Have your blood pressure checked at each visit to your GP, or once a year, and check for diabetes. + Quit smoking. + Keep alcohol to a minimum. + Watch your weight. + Exercise daily. + Check if any medications or over-the-counter preparations might increase your blood pressure (such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). + Eat foods rich in nutrients including plant-based foods (fruit, vegetables and wholegrains) and omega-3 rich fish. + Eliminate animal fats, trans fats and added sugars. + Avoid salt in processed foods or added to your meals. + Reduce stress and take care of your mental health.…

Roast turkey with citrus pistachio stuffing and Cumberland sauce SERVES 8 TO 10 PREP AND COOK TIME 3 HOURS 30 MINUTES (+ COOLING AND 1 HOUR STANDING TIME) 6kg free-range turkey (bring to room temperature) ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon plain flour 2 extra-large oven bags 2 tablespoons verjuice 1 tablespoon vincotto CITRUS PISTACHIO STUFFING 90g dried kumquat or dried mandarins ¼ cup (60ml) verjuice 1 cup (250ml) extra virgin olive oil 400g free-range chicken livers, sinew removed 3 medium (500g) onions, chopped ¼ cup rosemary leaves, chopped 3 cups (200g) coarse fresh breadcrumbs ⅓ cup fresh lemon thyme, chopped 1 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped ½ cup (70g) pistachios, chopped extra virgin olive oil CUMBERLAND SAUCE 2 oranges 2 lemons ⅓ cup (110g) redcurrant jelly 1…

Best-ever glazed ham SERVES 8 WITH LEFTOVERS PREP AND COOK TIME 2 HOURS 15 MINUTES (+ RESTING TIME) 1 half leg ham, bone in (about 4.5kg) 2 carrots, peeled, cut into large chunks 2 celery sticks, cut into large chunks 1 onion, cut into large chunks 4 ripe peaches 2 tablespoons caster sugar watercress, to serve PEACH AND RUM GLAZE 40g butter 1 small onion, coarsely chopped 2 ripe peaches, de-stoned, coarsely chopped 2 whole star anise ¾ teaspoon ground cardamom ¾ cup (180ml) dark rum ¾ cup (180ml) white wine vinegar 1 cup (220g) firmly packed brown sugar 1 Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Run a small sharp knife down the back of the ham. Using your fingers, gently separate skin from fat. Remove and discard skin. Run…

Turkey with apricot and hazelnut stuffing SERVES 6 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR 15 MINUTES (+ STANDING TIME) If you’re entertaining a larger crowd, simply double the recipe to feed 12. 125g baby spinach ⅓ cup (50g) dried apricots, chopped coarsely ⅓ cup (45g) roasted hazelnuts, chopped coarsely 1 cup (70g) fresh breadcrumbs 1kg frozen ready-to-roast turkey breast, thawed 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 6 fresh thyme sprigs 2 tablespoons brandy 1 cup (250ml) salt-reduced chicken stock 1 Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). 2 Place spinach in heatproof bowl; pour over boiling water, stand for 1 minute. Drain; cool under running water. Squeeze small handfuls of spinach to remove excess liquid; chop and place in a medium bowl. Stir in apricot, hazelnuts and breadcrumbs; season. 3 Place…

Teriyaki chicken salad with crispy noodles SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 25 MINUTES 1/3 cup Exotic Food teriyaki sauce ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (approximately 1 medium orange) 1 tablespoon Exotic Food sweet chilli sauce 1 teaspoon white vinegar 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (approximately 1 small cooked chicken from the supermarket) 2 baby cos lettuce, separated into leaves ½ telegraph cucumber, thinly sliced or sliced in ribbons 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 2 spring onions, thinly sliced A handful of sugar snap peas (optional) 75g snow peas, thinly sliced ¼ cup shelled, cooked edamame beans 2-3 big handfuls crispy noodles ½ cup roasted cashews or peanuts (optional) ½ cup chopped coriander or mint – or a combination of both Zest of 1 orange (optional) 1 Make the…

Truffle Meringue Wreath MAKES 10 meringues and 40 Truffles PREP TIME AND COOK TIME 1 hour 45 min 300g NESTLÉ BAKERS' CHOICE Dark Cooking Chocolate, melted 395g can NESTLÉ HIGHLANDER Sweetened Condensed Milk 1 cup (100g) red velvet or chocolate cake crumbs Fine gold shimmer powder, finely crushed pistachios and NESTLÉ BAKERS CHOICE Cocoa, to coat MERINGUE 4 egg whites 1 cup (220g) caster sugar 1 cup (250ml) thickened cream Fresh cherries and chocolate curls, to decorate 1 Combine NESTLÉ BAKERS' CHOICE Dark Cooking Chocolate, NESTLÉ HIGHLANDER Sweetened Condensed Milk and crumbs in a large bowl. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. 2 Preheat oven to 120°C (100°C fan-forced). Grease a large oven tray. Draw a 25cm circle on a sheet of baking paper. Turn, pencil-side down, on tray. 3…

Advice for home cooks Want to improve your performance in the kitchen? Why not ask a Michelin star chef! Chef Richard Chen, the creative force behind Harmony, the Chinese restaurant aboard Princess Cruises’ Majestic Princess ship, shares his five top tips for everyday cooking. 1 Firstly, it’s important to work with the right equipment. If your stovetop isn’t very powerful it’s not going to heat a heavy-duty pot or pan, so familiarise yourself with your kitchen and do your research before you buy additional equipment. 2 Timing comes next – knowing how to monitor the intensity of the heat and the length of time you’re cooking for is very important; it’s easy to burn out the flavour if the heat is too hot. 3 Find the right ingredients. Granted, some…

1 2018 MT DIFFICULTY CENTRAL OTAGO PINOT ROSÉ, $25 This wine was made to be enjoyed in the sunshine - ideally on the terrace at Mt Difficulty, but it’ll be just as yum at your place. Strawberries, rose petals, redcurrants, it’s summer spice and all things nice. 2 2016 FRAMINGHAM MARLBOROUGH CLASSIC RIESLING, $25 Framingham offers an extensive tasting selection, plus winery, underground cellar and vineyard tours, great music and mouth-watering wines. The rieslings in particular are world class… or better. 3 2017 CRAGGY RANGE HAWKE’S BAY ‘MARY’S VINEYARD’ CHARDONNAY, $37 Cellar door and restaurant only, it’s an especially lovely wine to enjoy on location as the vineyard (named for Craggy’s matriarch Mary Peabody) is right outside. Citrus and white peach with a touch of bran biscuit and cream. 4…

Honey, I shrunk the garden! I’m sure my husband would be delighted if I suddenly announced that I was downsizing our large country garden for a compact courtyard or petite patio – no more lawns to mow, hedges to clip, trees to prune and DIY projects to build. But when your appetite for gardening is as gluttonous as mine, that’s never going to happen. I have, however, been experimenting with Lilliputian indoor landscapes of late. Everything looks cute when it’s small, according to American fashion designer Cynthia Rowley, and who can argue with that? My miniature tabletop gardens and terrariums make me smile every time I see them, which isn’t always true of the blooming beds and burgeoning borders around our farmhouse, where I haul out weeds by the trailerload…

Having my photo taken with Santa is a tradition I’d long outgrown but then, I’d never expected to meet the jolly man in Moscow. “Privet, Santa,” I wave, delighted when he beckons me over. “Who’s Santa?” he jokes. “I’m Father Frost.” It’s a small difference, but embracing the Russian way of doing things is essential to celebrating a white Christmas here. It’s a few days before the 25th and we’re at a European-style Christmas market alongside a Moscow boulevard full of speeding cars and sirens. Getting a feel for the city means following the crowds to Red Square. Here we find an outdoor ice-skating rink and stalls selling mulled wine. Between the twinkling lights of the GUM department store and the psychedelic domes of Saint Basil’s Cathedral, it’s like finding…

WHALE WATCHING During our early October visit we were lucky enough to spot whales while on our morning beach walks. We hadn’t realised that the Gold Coast was known as “humpback highway” from June until around November, when humpback whales migrate from Antarctica, putting on spectacular shows just offshore. There are viewing spots on land, or if you want to get up close take one of the many whale watching tours. MOVIEWORLD If you have kids in tow, Movieworld is a must. Thrilling rides, famous film characters to photograph, and plenty of parades and shows. Go early and plan to spend the day.…

Operatunity’s famous Christmas pantomime returns with a fresh twist on Cinderella. Escape the stress of the season with parody, classic songs and a lot of silliness, performed live throughout December in various North Island centres. For tickets, go to operatunity.co.nz. Puss in Boots comes to Wellington for this year’s pantomime at Circa Theatre. The talking feline sets out to help a poor widow and her son fulfil their dream of moving up in the world to Karori, but will the wicked trolls defeat them? circa.co.nz…

Becoming by Michelle Obama, Penguin Random House The arrival of Michelle Obama’s memoir was hotly anticipated in The Australian Women’s Weekly office – and with good reason. It’s a superb read. Eloquently written, it tells the remarkable story of a young girl growing up in a cramped apartment on the South Side of Chicago in a loving, working class family, who went on to become one of the most famous women in the world when her husband was elected America’s first black president. But with her intelligence and feisty determination, Michelle was destined for success on her own merits. Before meeting Barack Obama, she had already established herself as an up and coming corporate lawyer, but while still in her 20s was questioning whether that was the right career for…

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE 1. Alabama 2. The brain 3. a) Rangitoto Island 4. 650km. The accurate distance is 649.3km. 5. The Indian Ocean 6. Chicago 7. c) 12 8. India, according to internetworldstats.com 9. b) a chef. Chiffonade is the cutting method of tightly rolling up greens or herb leaves and cutting them into thin strips. 10. Rome FESTIVE 1. a) One Horse Open Sleigh 2. b) Ronan Keating 3. Prancer and Vixen 4. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas 5. Robert L. May. Rudolph first appeared in a 1939 booklet published by Chicago department store Montgomery Ward. 6. b) Norway 7. The Polar Express 8. A calf FAMILY 1. Five 2. b) Arnie Pye 3. c) The Dursleys 4. c) Petrifying Poppa 5. The Wiggles 6. Red, yellow, blue and…

The most memorable overseas adventure I’ve had is... Vietnam, when Carlos and I were young, wild and free from kids! We did lots of things we couldn’t ever do now, like take an overnight train where the bunk bed was infested with cockroaches – it was so gross at the time, but now we can look back and laugh, and it was certainly memorable. My favourite pet growing up… Was our retriever-collie cross dog called Carlos (who coincidentally had the same name as my husband!). Note: Carlos the dog came on the scene way before Carlos the husband. The last thing I baked or cooked was… This morning, a caramel crumble slice – it was ridiculously yummy and I can’t stop slicing bits off it now. The three books I’m…

IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY Whenever I receive my copy of The Australian Women’s Weekly I hesitate before opening it because I know that once the first page is turned that’s it for me – I’m soon engrossed and not much else gets done for a while! In the Christmas issue the stories that have really moved me are those about the three women whose lives have been transformed through the unfailing love and kindness from family members and friends. Community is very important in our lives. I belong to a church women’s fellowship and I feel the power of this community spirit each day. I am thankful that I’m part of a community I know will be there for me should the need arise. It’s wonderful to read that these three…

Modern family TWO PHOTOS capturing three generations of the Royal family have been released in honour of The Prince of Wales’ 70th birthday. Prince Charles celebrated at a luncheon hosted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace, and reflected on the landmark birthday in a recent edition of Country Life, which he edited. “I have reached the biblical threshold of three score years and 10, with all the scars that go with it,” he wrote. He also revealed a passion for pheasant crumble pie. “I invented a grouse one recently, as well as moussaka with grouse – in other words, groussaka.” SHE’S CAMERA REDDY Filming has begun for I Am Woman, the biopic of pioneering Australian singer Helen Reddy (left). Tilda Cobham-Hervey (The Kettering Incident) was snapped in Sydney in costume…

Everyone has a “hard to buy for” list when doing their Christmas shopping. I love finding that perfect gift – it’s so satisfying when you get it just right – but it’s not always easy, and staying within budget can also be a challenge. I think the secret is to be one of those fabulously organised people who purchase little bits and bobs all year round for the prezzie drawer. They’ve bought everything by August and wrapped it in September. Well, it’s a grand idea and a model that I’m aspiring to but, at 63, I still haven’t quite sussed it yet. However, in my handy little Christmas notebook I have written down good present ideas to help with the age-old dilemma of what to buy for those tricky people…

Q I am very self-conscious about my stomach area. My daughter tells me I have a good shape but I don’t see it and always find myself reverting to baggy tops so my rolls don’t show. However when I do this I can also feel very dowdy! Could you please advise me on how I can dress to feel comfortable but also to flatter my stomach? Many women feel their tummy is their problem area. Fortunately, there are choices and options that mean you don’t need to hide in baggy tops or clothing. One of the best things to remember is to wear clothes that fit comfortably and aren’t too tight or too baggy. Pants and skirts should have a wide waistband and a high-rise waistline to hold everything in.…

RELAX Heat up some water to a comfortable temperature, put it into a bowl and add your favourite bath oil. Put your feet in and relax. STRETCH Roll one foot over the grip of a dumbbell, back and forth. If you don’t have a dumbbell, try using a bottle instead. BALANCE Stand with feet hip-width apart. Move slowly onto tiptoes; your body weight will shift to your forefoot. Stay in position for a moment before moving back to start position. LOOSEN UP A simple exercise to loosen your feet muscles is to paddle your feet in contrary directions whilst seated. Sponsored by Reckitt Benckiser…

Roast beetroot and goat’s cheese terrine SERVES 8 AS AN ENTRÉE PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES (+ REFRIGERATION TIME) 5 medium (750g) beetroot 1 small bulb garlic 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil 1 cup (100g) walnuts 550g marinated goat’s cheese or feta 1 bunch chives, chopped finely chervil, baby salad leaves and lemon-infused olive oil, to serve 1 Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Remove the leaves and trim the roots from the beetroot. Trim the top off the garlic bulb. Place beetroot and garlic on an oven tray; sprinkle with oil. Roast for 30 minutes, then remove the garlic; it should be soft. Roast the beetroot for a further 30 minutes, or until a skewer goes easily through them. In the last 10 minutes of…

For a brown sugar and mustard glaze, put in a medium saucepan ¾ cup (165g) firmly packed brown sugar, ⅔ cup (160ml) apple cider vinegar, ⅔ cup (190g) wholegrain mustard, ¼ cup (70g) Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and ½ teaspoon salt. Bring to the boil over medium-high heat, whisking to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat to low; simmer for 5 minutes or until glaze reduces slightly. Remove from heat. Reserve ½ cup glaze for serving. Use remaining glaze for ham as in recipe, opposite.…

1 Fennel and cheese pan stuffing SERVES 10 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). Place 2 red onions, cut into thick slices crossways, in a single layer in a shallow roasting pan. Top with 1 baby fennel, sliced thinly; drizzle with 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. Cover with foil; roast for 30 minutes. Toss a 315g, 1-day-old loaf sourdough bread, torn into chunks, in a large bowl with 1 tablespoon thyme, 2 tablespoons currants, 2 tablespoons pine nuts, ⅓ cup grated parmesan, ½ cup vegetable stock and 1 egg until combined. Spread evenly over onion mixture in pan; toss to combine. Roast for 30 minutes or until browned. 2 Chorizo and onion pan stuffing SERVES 10 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR 25…

Ice-cream pudding log SERVES 8 PREP AND COOK TIME 30 MINUTES (+ STANDING AND FREEZING TIME) Start this recipe a day ahead. 300g purchased dark fruit cake or Christmas pudding, chopped coarsely 2 tablespoons Frangelico liqueur (see Test Kitchen tips) 2 litres (8 cups) good-quality vanilla ice-cream, softened slightly melted white chocolate, cooled, to decorate 16 mixed Ferrero Rondnoir, Rocher and Raffaello, to serve HAZELNUT PRALINE 1 cup (140g) hazelnuts 1 cup (220g) caster sugar ½ cup (125ml) water 1 HAZELNUT PRALINE Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Place nuts on oven tray; roast for 5-8 minutes or until browned. Place nuts in a tea towel; rub to remove skins. Chop nuts coarsely. Scatter nuts on a lightly oiled oven tray. Meanwhile, combine the sugar and water in a…

Traditional Christmas cake SERVES 20 600g your choice of dried fruit 75g candied orange peel, finely chopped 1 tablespoon marmalade or apricot jam, plus 100g extra for glazing 100ml brandy, plus extra for feeding (optional) 125g unsalted butter, softened 120g dark brown sugar 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon treacle 3 eggs 100g plain flour 25g almond meal ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon ground cloves ¼ teaspoon ground allspice 50g whole blanched almonds For the booziest Christmas cake ever, feed the cake once a week until Christmas, then glaze with marmalade or jam just before serving. Nadine 1 Combine the dried fruit, candied orange peel and marmalade or jam in a large bowl. Splash the brandy over the top and leave it to soak overnight on…

ANYONE FOR TEA? Fuze Tea joins the line-up of refreshing drinks available this summer. A fusion of tea extracts with lush peach or aromatic lemon, this fruity beverage is low in calories, preservative-free and sweetened from natural sources. Available in Peach Black Iced Tea; Lemon Black Iced Tea; or Lemon Green Iced Tea. BARBECUE MATES Spice up your next barbecue with MeatHeads rubs. The all natural, New Zealand-made seasonings will add heat and flavour to your sizzling meats. Sample all four flavours with the Grill Essentials pack, $34, from meatheads.nz. SOMETHING SWEET Indulge in a decadent dessert with Hansells Chef’s Kitchen. The frozen treats come in two delicious flavours – Belgian Dark Chocolate Fondant and Ginger Caramel Brownie – and are ready to serve in just 6-8 minutes! At most…

CRAGGY RANGE, HAWKE’S BAY Impressive architecture and a stunning location at the base of Te Mata Peak. Great wines and delectable, uber-local fare. TE AWA WINERY, HAWKE’S BAY A relaxed, rustic vibe in beautiful grounds for alfresco lunches. Stunning food based around seasonal, local produce. Cellar door offers Te Awa, Leftfield, Vidal and Esk Valley wines. AMISFIELD BISTRO, CENTRAL OTAGO The ex-Noma (Copenhagen) sous-chef is now foraging local produce to create food that is as beautiful as it is delicious. With superb wines, it’s destination dining at its best. MT DIFFICULTY, CENTRAL OTAGO Relax with great food and wine overlooking the gorgeous Bannockburn scenery. Walk off the excesses on the nearby historic Sluicings track.…

Café vibe Perfect for small-space living, or your next glamping adventure, this cute café-inspired, two-seater outdoor dining set easily folds away for handy storage or transporting to your campsite. LAZY DAYS AHEAD Spend lazy summer days lounging on this gorgeous day bed. It’s hand-made, and has a removable canvas cover. Or relax on a beautiful round rattan rocker. Both are firm favourites for their great design and versatility. HOME TRENDS If you haven’t yet seen the Tilly@home range, head to your Farmers store now to check it out. We love this vibrant selection of well-priced, on-trend homewares. farmers.co.nz . BIRDS OF A FEATHER The flamingo is currently taking centre stage in various homewares. From innovative wall art to sun umbrellas and cushions, there are numerous ways to bring…

• Garden centres and hardware chains stock baby grade houseplants for $3-4 each. Choose a selection of plants with contrasting forms, colours and textures. Suitable species for terrariums include baby’s tears, ferns, fittonia (nerve plants), succulents and cacti. • Keep tabletop gardens and terrariums out of direct sunlight. Their tiny root systems can’t cope with sudden temperature fluctuations caused by overheating. • In a closed terrarium (a glass bowl with a lid, and consequently no drainage), be careful not to overwater your plants. Mist once a fortnight at most.   • Vintage cake tins, kitchen colanders and deep plant pot saucers all make ideal containers for tabletop gardens, but ensure they have drainage holes in the base. Take them outdoors once a week for a good soak, letting the excess…

WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Currumbin is one of our favourite all-time wildlife sanctuaries in Australia. Set on 27ha of lush eucalyptus and rainforest, Currumbin offers everything from the chance to cuddle a koala, hang out with a kangaroo, and discover hundreds of animals, to a guided Segway safari tour, train rides and a free-flight bird show with birds of prey and endangered species. Hands-down one of the best day trips. THE BEACHES With everything going on in the Gold Coast and the plethora of attractions to visit, you can almost forget that one of the very best things it has to offer is its beaches. Sweeping golden sands, warm water and blue skies make this a beach-lover’s idyll. Our favourite time is early morning before the crowds hit and the temperatures rise…

1 A WORLD OF WATER FUN A whopping three storeys high, the Z4K Water Park features a myriad of slides, water cannons and climbing frames, plus a giant bucket splash. Littlies aren’t forgotten either, with mini versions of all the water fun. 2 WHERE KIDS ARE #1 The Ruby Collection Kid’s Club is set to open early 2019. Until this time, guests have access to the adjacent Paradise Resort Kid’s Club, where daily sessions are offered for children aged 0-12 years old. Think dance parties, movie nights and endless fun! 3 MEETING NEW BUDDIES Keep your eyes peeled and your cameras ready for our Resident Rockstars Ruby Rocket and William the Bear, who will make special appearances throughout your stay. 4 DAILY ENTERTAINMENT With specially-designed activities, kids will delight in…