Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2019 i Australian Women’s Weekly NZ

For the past 18 months TV host Amanda Gillies has been keeping a gratitude diary, recording the things she’s grateful for each day. In this month’s issue she talks to deputy editor Emma Clifton about how the practice has shifted her day-to-day experience of life and made it better. It’s a simple thing – writing down three reasons to feel grateful – but research shows it can have an enormous impact on our mental health, lowering stress levels, helping us to sleep better, giving us clarity on what we want more of in our lives, increasing our self-awareness, and giving us a sense of appreciation for what we have. What you write doesn’t have to be big or life-changing – a catch-up with a friend, or a beautiful sunset, walking…

Treat yourself with Matakana Botanicals Chefs and Gardeners ranges, which have been specifically created to nourish and repair hardworking hands. “Hero” ingredients include olive oil, macadamia oil and manuka honey, sourced from the Matakana region and sure to nourish and soothe precious skin. Our letter of the month writer this month will receive the ultimate Matakana Botanicals prize pack, valued at $250. Writers of other published letters will receive an Australian Women’s Weekly cookbook.…

At 84 years old, Judi Dench is one of the busiest actresses in Hollywood. But when she’s not playing a spy, or Shakespeare’s wife, or an elderly cat, or a gender-bending fairy police commander – yes, these are all actual roles for Judi in 2019 – you’ll find her in amongst her greatest passion: trees. “My life now is just trees. Trees and… um… and Champagne,” she says, with a characteristically naughty wink. But there is one particular place she goes to pay pilgrimage. For the past 30 years, Judi has been tending to her own area of woods at the back of her two-hectare property in Surrey – the area she keeps as a tribute to loved ones who have died. Every time Judy loses a close family member…

The celebrity stylist “I’ve learned that yes, hair does become less tolerant as we age,” says Miranda Kerr’s hairstylist, David Keough. He points to years of stress from colouring and heat-styling, combined with natural textural changes with age. “The one thing I always recommend is a great hair mask to sleep in. You smooth it through your hair, wrap it all up in a hair towel and warm it with your dryer so the treatment sinks in,” he says. David’s clients are also treated to dreamy scalp massages, “using a repairing, soothing oil or a little coconut oil.” David is big on supporting hair from the inside, too. “Bone broth, packed with collagen, is great for your hair and perfect for drinking hot or adding to soups in winter,” he…

There are many changes that come with advanced age. However, one that often goes unrecognised is the decline in muscle mass and strength. It is unclear when it begins, but likely after the age of 40, our skeletal muscle mass decreases by 3-8 per cent every decade. After the age of 60 it decreases by 10-15 per cent per decade, or 1-1.5 per cent every year. This rate of muscle decline can vary between individuals, but is exacerbated by a sedentary lifestyle, a low dietary protein intake, obesity and potentially genetics. At the same time as our muscle mass decreases, the fat content in our muscles increases, further contributing to poor muscle function, loss of strength and frailty. This age-related loss of muscle mass, both in quantity and quality (ie…

Cider-braised pork with apples SERVES 8 PREP AND COOK TIME 4 HOURS 1.8kg piece boneless pork neck, excess fat trimmed ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1 leek (350g), white part only, sliced thinly 2 teaspoons fennel seeds, crushed lightly 2 teaspoons coriander seeds, crushed lightly 2⅔ cups (660ml) apple cider 2 bay leaves 100g pancetta, chopped finely 4 medium red-skinned apples (600g), cut crossways into 1cm thick rounds 1 Preheat oven to 160°C (140°C fan-forced). 2 Tie pork with kitchen string at 3cm intervals to form a compact shape; this helps the pork to cook evenly. 3 Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a 7 litre (28 cup) oval cast-iron or other flameproof casserole dish over medium-high heat; cook pork, turning, for 8 minutes or until browned…

Dark chocolate croissant pudding SERVES 10 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR 10 MINUTES (+ STANDING TIME) ½ cup (80g) sultanas ¼ cup (60ml) Grand Marnier 12 croissants (240g) 80g butter, softened 200g dark chocolate, chopped finely 3 eggs 2 egg yolks ⅓ cup (75g) caster sugar 3 cups (750ml) milk 300ml cream 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 teaspoon orange rind 2 teaspoons icing sugar 1 Preheat oven to 160°C (140°C fan-forced). Grease a shallow 2.5 litre (10 cup) ovenproof baking dish. 2 Place sultanas and Grand Marnier in a small bowl; stand for 10 minutes or until the sultanas have absorbed most of the liquid. 3 Split croissants in half; using 60g of the butter, spread on the cut sides. Sprinkle three-quarters of the chocolate over croissant bases; sandwich…

One of the things I love most about wine is the way it combines history, culture and almost infinite variations of character and deliciousness, all in one glass. Few wine styles encapsulate this better than fortified wines – think port, sherry, and much more. Fortifieds are wines to which spirit – usually brandy – has been added. Hundreds of years ago, this was a method of preservation against spoilage, but it was soon recognised that the addition of spirit added its own unique flavours and personalities. Over the centuries this process was refined via complex ageing techniques, with a surprisingly wide range of styles developed all over the world. Creating these myriad unique styles usually requires many years of careful stewarding before release: this can include being baked under hot…

Go for gold Glam up this winter with deeper shades of plum, forest green and bold accents of gold. Add layers of sophistication with a touch of mid-century styling in furniture and accessories. Visit freedomfurniture.co.nz LOCKER LIVING Tucked alongside a bed, office desk, in a studio, kid’s room or lounge, this practical and stylish storage piece is fabulously versatile. Available in five on-trend colours, the locker is a must-have addition for any space! Shorty locker in Slate, $269.shutthefrontdoor.co.nz SNUGGLE DOWN Not only does a warm throw look great draped on your favourite chair or couch, but it’s also the perfect snuggle rug on a chilly evening. 1. Eva faux fur throw, $25. kmart.co.nz 2. Siren throw in Green, $100.nood.co.nz. 3. Reversible cotton knit throw in Citron, $129. paperplanestore. com Keep…

What do egg coddlers, pot trivets, bread bins, butter conditioners and so called “single-use” plastic shopping bags have in common? They’ve all but disappeared from most Kiwi kitchens, rendered obsolete by modern lifestyles, convenience, our evolving cuisine and global concern for the environment. Cast your eye across the kitchenware section in any second-hand store and it soon becomes clear that so many of the labour-saving gizmos and gadgets our grandmothers used – from ginger beer bottlers to pot strainers, potato chippers and toast racks – have long since fallen out of favour. The explosive ginger beer of my childhood has been usurped by more fashionable fermentations, such as kombucha and water kefir; no one has time to let their toast cool before the daily commute; and who needs a meat…

GIVEAWAY Welcome The Mister, the thrilling new romance from E. L. James, author of the phenomenal number one, best-selling Fifty Shades trilogy. Life has been easy for Maxim Trevelyan. With his good looks, aristocratic connections and money, he’s never had to work and he’s rarely slept alone. But all that changes when tragedy strikes and Maxim inherits his family’s noble title, wealth and estates, and all the responsibility that entails. It’s a role he’s not prepared for and one that he struggles to face. But his biggest challenge is fighting his desire for an unexpected, enigmatic young woman who’s recently arrived in England, possessing little more than a dangerous and troublesome past. Thanks to Penguin Random House, we have 15 copies of The Mister, valued at $24 each, to give…

Doris Day remembered WITH THE PASSING of the original American sweetheart, Doris Day, the world has lost a light, her friends said. The actress leaves behind a legacy of joy, and compassion for the voiceless. The Calamity Jane star is best known for her musical talent and her comic timing in 1950s and 60s classics opposite Rock Hudson and Cary Grant – her sunny persona entertained a generation. But later in life she devoted herself to animal rights. The CEO of the Doris Day Animal Foundation, Dr T. Robert Bashara, paid tribute to the late star, saying: “She was truly a voice for the voiceless among us, a bright and beautiful champion for the cause of animal welfare.” STARS PUT THE AMP IN CAMP Feathers, sequins and glitter… The Met…

On the sideboard in Hayley Waller’s hallway sits a bright orange card. The hand-made thank you from her son stands proudly amongst treasured family photos. Written inside, “Dear Mummy. Thank you for doing your best in the attack. I’m really happy now. Thank you for keeping me safe. Love from Finn.” Hayley’s eight-year-old son may not fully comprehend the horror that occurred of March 15 in his home town of Christchurch but he does know that his mum saved lives that day. “I think they are proud,” Hayley says, smiling at her boys – Finn and his five-year-old brother Arlo – in the room next door. “One of my first thoughts was that I couldn’t believe this is happening in our country.” “They knew something had happened. Finn understood that…

It’s where most of everyday life happens, so it’s important that your living room is welcoming, comfortable and works for every member of the whanau. Think about the needs of everyone in your house before designing your dream room. How many people will be hanging out on the couches every day? It seems obvious, but are there enough seating options? What are you primarily using the room for? It’s always tempting to decorate the room around the television – but this can restrict your space and how people interact with each other. What other needs do you have for the room? Is storage important? Asking yourself questions in the beginning can enhance your design success in the end. SMARTEN UP Think about energy efficiency. Simple additions such as installing thermal…

QI am trying to be more eco-conscious and one way I thought I could do that is by second-hand shopping. I know op-shops are a good deal but they have always seemed so overwhelming to me. Have you got any tips on how to tackle second-hand clothes shopping? Fortunately, society is more eco-conscious now than ever before and we realise that fast fashion has an environmental impact. I have always loved checking out second-hand/vintage stores because you never know what you’re going to find. I think it’s really important to have an open mind and the time to sift through and sort. Don’t be popping in with a five-minute window, at closing time, or when you’re not in the mood. Only buy items you really love. Consider how the piece…

Castor oil This home remedy has acquired quite a following of late, despite the lack of direct scientific evidence. Castor oil (1) contains ricinoleic acid, which is thought to stimulate follicles into the growth stage. It also moisturises and adds gloss. Apply with a cotton tip to the lash line at night and gently wash in the morning. Lash (and brow) serum Lash serums like (2) Lilash Eyelash Serum, $119, contain active ingredients to encourage growth and reduce fallout. It takes around six weeks of regular use to notice a difference in length and you’ll need to keep using or your lashes will return to normal as they naturally shed. Magnetic lashes The top beauty search on Google last year, magnetic lashes like Ardell Magnetic Lashes, $30, clearly captured our…

1. Wild Ferns Rotorua Mud Face Pack with Manuka Honey, $19. Rich in beneficial minerals, Rotorua’s famed healing and detoxifying mud tackles excess oil, giving skin an effective deep cleanse. 2. Lemon & Beaker Foaming Deep Cleanser, $36. Lemon and bergamot help brighten while removing the day’s debris. 3. Reskin Re-form Serum, $169 for two bottles. Originally available as a set with a NZ Marine Collagen supplement to work from the inside out, Reskin’s popular botanical oil serum is now available separately. 4. The Aromatherapy Co Therapy Garden Wild Mint & Lime Hand Cream, $20. One for gardeners, this protective formula smells great and protects and soothes hands before and after getting amongst the soil. 5. Wild Ferns Manuka Honey Active Repair Eye Serum, $25. Fine skin beneath the eyes…

Recent studies have shown one essential amino acid, leucine, may help increase muscle protein synthesis and minimise muscle protein degradation. Studies have shown leucine-rich proteins (such as whey from dairy) are more effective at building muscle than equivalent quantities of proteins lower in leucine. To date, most studies have been performed in older adults, who are at increased risk of muscle loss and have a reduced response to the effects of dietary protein. Findings suggest a leucine dose of around 2-3g per meal may enhance muscle protein synthesis; however, research is ongoing to see whether this also results in improved muscle strength and functionality. Because the effect of leucine appears to be more pronounced in older adults with a low muscle mass, scientists are continuing to investigate if leucine may…

Q I’ve heard that laser eye surgery may not be safe. Should I reconsider having it done? J.M. Laser is used for correction of short and long-sightedness, astigmatism and to treat glaucoma. Any surgery has potential complications. Laser eye surgery can result in dry eyes, under or over-correction or vision loss. Ask your eye specialist to outline the benefits and potential risks before your procedure. Q No matter how much I drink, I always feel thirsty. I’ve tried coconut water, smoothies and Hydralyte. What else can I do? P.T. Anyone with excessive thirst (polydipsia) and excessive urination should be investigated for diabetes. Other causes include diabetes insipidus, where the body is unable to regulate urine volume because the brain doesn’t produce enough of the hormone vasopressin, or the kidneys are…

Serve with kumara mash, soft polenta or couscous, if you like. Refrigerate lamb shank mixture for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge, then reheat in a microwave. Serve with roast potatoes and steamed beans, if you like. Refrigerate mixture for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge, then reheat in a microwave. Serve with steamed basmati rice. Refrigerate lamb curry for up to 2 days. Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge, then reheat in a microwave. If you like, top with 200g crumbled feta and serve with risoni or crusty bread. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge,…

SHERRY From the chalky soils around Jerez (heh-reth) in southwestern Spain, production dates back to 1000BC. White wine is fortified then aged, often for decades or more, in the solera fractional blending system, creating complex, lively wines. Sherries range from bone dry to very sweet. PORT With vines cultivated since 200BC, Portugal’s Douro is the world’s third oldest protected wine region. Port is always sweet and made from very ripe red grapes, but some are aged (Tawny, 10, 20, 30 year olds) and some fresh, fruity and fiery (Vintage, LBV). VIN DOUX NATURELS (VdN) Usually from around the Mediterranean coasts, these lightly fortified (around 15 per cent), pale-coloured, muscat-based wines are medium-sweet, perfumed and fresh. RUTHERGLEN MUSCAT AND TOPAQUE Australian town Rutherglen (Victoria) produces complex, sweet, muscat-based wines, aged for…

• Source traditional solid wooden rolling pins (avoid the modern types that have a rod that joins the handles through the centre of the rolling barrel) from charity shops. They don’t have to all match for shape or size. • I painted a 1m wooden weatherboard from our local demolition yard for the backing board, but any length of dressed pine from a hardware store will do. • Draw a pencil line across the centre of the rolling pin and use a compound mitre drop saw, with the blade set at a 45-degree angle, to saw the rolling pin neatly in half. • Sand the sawn edges smooth, then paint or stain the handles. I used oak wood stain, Resene Forest Green and Resene Dark Rum on my handles, while…

Sometimes it’s the little stories with a fine focus and much to say that pack the big punches, and with two strong performances from two very talented leading women driving that story home, Little Woods is well worth a visit. Tessa Thompson (Sorry To Bother You/ Creed) and Lily James (Baby Driver/ Cinderella) both know their way around the blockbuster. Thompson is fairly fresh off working with Taika Waititi and Chris Hemsworth on Thor: Ragnarok and soon back with Hemsworth in Men In Black: International; while Downton Abbey alumni Lily James has been singing and dancing her way around the Abba back-catalogue in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. You couldn’t find a film further from those loud and proud outings than Little Woods and both women are all the…

Room For A Stranger by Melanie Cheng, Text Publishing . Review by Juliet Rieden Meg Hughes will never forget the pockmarked face and cold blue eyes that stared out of the pitch black before the ghoulish intruder turned on his heels and fled. The 75-year-old was alone in her home with Atticus, her African grey parrot, and she was utterly terrified. Although she’d lived in her family home since she was a little girl, Meg now feels unsafe; a vulnerable old woman. So, she gamely embraces “homeshare”. In return for lodgings and work around the house, Meg welcomes Andy into her life. Author Melanie Cheng was inspired by a news story about the new phenomenon of homesharing. “It featured an elderly Australian woman…

Letter of the month Mike McRoberts and his mum caught my attention at the supermarket checkout today. Then so did “The 10 questions to ask your mum”. My indignant thought was, “I can’t do that!” My mother died from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia 32 years ago, aged 64. But I put your magazine into my trolley, thinking, “Yes! I am so thankful I was always able to talk to her about health and so much more during our life together.” Kerryn Phelp’s article [about inherited health issues] reminded me of watching my mother sail through menopause and it being the same for me. It also reminded me that she had a mental breakdown in the 1950s when I was a child. I have never suffered from serious depression, for which I’m grateful. I may…

Ask Nicole Kidman’s friends to describe her in just three words and a fascinating picture starts to build. She’s “mischievous, curious and compassionate. Funny as hell, brave, smart and intensely loyal.” She’s “daring, dedicated, original, intelligent and a courageous risk-taker”. She’s “honest, loving and quirky … charming, radiant, playful”. She “loves to party” and, jokes fellow Australian actress Naomi Watts, she’s “tall!” It’s an impressive word storm of epithets that offers a telling glimpse of the real Nicole; the intense, passionate and fun-loving woman behind the red-carpet glamour and the insane background babble of frustratingly inaccurate tabloid gossip. Most of those I spoke to are people who have known Nicole since the early days, through the best and worst of times: actors Russell Crowe, Naomi Watts, Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee…

“I was out driving early one day and I noticed a little boy walking to school. He was beautiful. He had his little backpack on his back. He was alone. In his own world. Then he stopped, bent down and picked a flower.” Elizabeth Smither’s eyes twinkle with genuine delight at this memory. It’s one of those things that many of us would find commonplace but she will store it away and use it one day. Elizabeth is one of our most celebrated poets and novelists. She has been writing for most of her 77 years. “It’s a compulsion. If I’m not writing, I’m slightly uneasy, I find myself getting irritable.” A love of words is quite possibly in her genes. Elizabeth’s father, Ted Harrington, came from Southland farming stock.…

Have children today got fussier with their food likes and dislikes or are we just pandering more to their foodie whims? I can’t believe the number of young mums who are preparing two or three different versions of a family dinner to appease fussy eaters. They complain that this one won’t touch anything green or that one’s decided at four years old he’s a vegan. When did “shut up and eat it” go out of the parenting vocabulary? I think it’s really unreasonable to be cooking alternate meals for different members of the family. I understand that if a child’s highly allergic to nuts or is a coeliac they would need modifications to their diet but just to please everybody’s likes and dislikes seems a tad overboard to me. Call…

Link with pink Whether it’s coral, pastel or a bright splash, pink is a great partner for shades of green. Military style Forget the camouflage - give army greens a funky look with bold extras.…

Full, subtly shaped brows are well and truly a modern style staple. Along with a set of luscious lashes, they have a natural framing and lifting effect. But as anyone who plucked to oblivion in the 1980s and 90s knows (guilty), brows can become notoriously patchy. Frustratingly, even while continuing to sprout endless strays. It’s true that repeated eyebrow plucking can inflict multiple micro traumas that can eventually lead to permanent hair loss. But let’s not be too quick to blame ourselves. If you notice the thick of your brow disappearing, it might be due to the same hormonal changes that cause thinning tresses in some women around menopause. To fill the gap, so to speak, a dizzying array of daily groomers, including pencils, powders, gels and ever-evolving mascaras has…

1 HIGHLIGHT UNDER BROWS “This gives an instant lift. For a polished finish, I love to brush up with a baby toothbrush afterwards.” 1. Max Factor Eyebrow Pencil Highlighter, $21. 2 AWAKEN TIRED EYES “Blend a dark circle concealer in a crescent shape under eyes, and don’t forget to blend a dot at the outer corner to lift there, too.” 2. YSL Touche Éclat High Cover Radiant Concealer, $69. 3 ADD A FLATTERING REFLECTION “Use an off-white liner on the lower inner rim to make eyes appear larger.” 3. MAC Studio Chromographic Pencil, $38. 4 ANCHOR YOUR MASCARA “For the illusion of thicker lashes, run black eyeliner along the inner eyelid rim. Once at the outer corner, add a small flick.” 4. Inika Certified Organic Eye Pencil, $34.…

COOL CHANGE It is likely that your skin is beginning to show the effects of seasonal weather changes and artificial indoor climates. Ensure it remains in perfect balance with these winter saviours: Nature’s oils Cold-pressed avocado, macadamia and coconut oils are the stars of an affordable new range of vegan certified nourishing body, skin and haircare products from Nature Box. Available now at selected supermarkets, from $8.99. Perfect match...  The spectrum of hues at MAC Cosmetics has always been impressive but the company is among many brands currently acknowledging there is work to be done to ensure products for all skin tones are easily available. MAC’s new 60-item Strip Down collection of neutral lip hues recognises that “nude” is not one-shade-fits-all. Well worth a look to find your ideal colour.…

Soft-boiled with zesty spinach Soft-boil 2 large eggs, then peel and halve lengthways. Meanwhile, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a small frying pan over medium heat, add 1 cup (30g) baby spinach leaves and cook for 1 minute or until just wilted. Remove the pan from the heat and stir through 1/4 cup small basil leaves and the finely grated zest and juice of ½ small lemon. Season to taste with freshly ground black pepper. Serve warm on toast with the soft-boiled eggs, sprinkled with ½ cup (40g) grated parmesan. Scrambled in a mushroom cup Preheat the oven grill to high. Grill 1 large field mushroom for 5 minutes, turning once. Place on the toast on a serving plate and top with 40g crumbled cheddar. Meanwhile, scramble 2 large…

BREAKFAST 60g high-fibre breakfast cereal served with 150ml low-fat milk, 200g low-fat yoghurt topped with 7g slivered almonds, 100ml low-fat milk (in coffee or tea) LUNCH 1 slice wholegrain bread (40g), 2 cups garden salad dressed with vinegar and 1 teaspoon olive oil, 100g chicken (raw weight before cooking; it will weigh approximately 20 per cent less after cooking) DINNER 150g fish (raw weight), grilled, served with mixed vegetables stir-fried with ginger, Asian herbs 1 cup cooked brown rice, 1 teaspoon oil, soy sauce SNACKS 150g fresh fruit salad, apple with 1 tablespoon peanut butter, banana smoothie made with 1 banana and 1 cup (250ml) low-fat milk…

Harissa snapper and potatoes with cheat’s tapenade SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 25 MINUTES 1kg or 8 medium potatoes, scrubbed 1 tablespoon harissa paste ⅓ cup (80ml) extra virgin olive oil 4 x 180g snapper fillets, skin-on, pin-boned 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley leaves 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind ½ small clove garlic ¼ cup (45g) pitted Sicilian olives ¼ cup dill sprigs 1 lemon, cut into wedges mixed tomatoes, for serving 1 Prick potato skins all over. Place potatoes directly on the microwave plate. Cook on HIGH for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway, or until softened slightly. Remove from microwave and cut into wedges. 2 Preheat oven to 240°C (220°C fan-forced). Grease and line 2 oven trays with baking paper. 3 Transfer potatoes to one tray; toss with half…

Barley with pistachios and green olives SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 30 MINUTES 1½ cups (300g) pearl barley 4 large pita breads (320g) ¾ cup (210g) Greek-style yoghurt 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind 1 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves, chopped finely 2 cups (280g) green (Sicilian) olives ¾ cup (100g) shelled pistachios ¼ radicchio (80g), shredded finely 1 long green chilli, chopped finely ¼ cup (60ml) lemon juice 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 Cook barley in a medium saucepan of boiling water for 20 minutes or until tender; drain. 2 Heat a grill plate (or grill or barbecue) and toast bread until browned lightly on both sides. Meanwhile, combine yoghurt, rind and 2 teaspoons of the mint in a small bowl. 3 Place barley in a large…

FULL OF NATURAL GOODNESS Nourish your body and support good gut health without compromising on taste! The new Cathedral Cove Naturals Body Balance Coconut Yoghurt is all-natural, dairy-free and full of prebiotics and probiotics. Available from leading supermarkets. $11.50 for 500g jar. COUNTDOWN SOUP Warm up your winter with new Countdown soups. They contain no artificial colours or flavours and come in four delicious flavours – Creamy Pumpkin, Tomato & Basil; Chicken & Vegetable; and Asian Style Chicken and Corn. They’re made in New Zealand and are an easy way to get some of your 5+ a day. RRP $4 each. FUN FACT Pound cake was named for its original recipe, which required a pound each of sugar, eggs, butter and flour.…

1 2016 PEGASUS BAY WAIPARA VALLEY ‘FORTISSIMO’ MUSCAT, $40 (375ml) A delicious NZ take on a VdN. Intensely aromatic, rich in fruit and florals with a dusting of musk, spice and dash of spirit (fortified to 17 per cent). 2 TAYLOR’S 10 YEAR OLD TAWNY PORT, $60 Richly aromatic with masses of spiced cherry, plum and berryfruit lifted by nuts, fig jam and butterscotch, carefully aged in seasoned oak casks for an average of at least 10 years. Match with oat cakes, blue cheese and walnuts. (Will last for up to a month.) 3 CAMPBELL’S RUTHERGLEN MUSCAT, $29 (375ml) Amazing how a tiny, dusty town in Australia’s northern Victoria yields wines of unctuous, layered intensity. (Will last for a good month – if you can keep your hands off.) 4…

WHAT YOU NEED • Favourite photos (I used pics measuring 7.5cm wide x 10cm long) • Resene testpot paintbrush and testpots in: Resene Noir Resene Silver Chalice Resene Eighth Bokara Grey • 50cm length wooden dowel • Compass, pencil and ruler • A4 piece of hard cardboard • Craft knife • Rolling pin • White baking clay (or air drying clay) • Wooden skewer and toothpicks • Fine art brush • 4 small, round wooden beads • Hemp cord in black (or similar) • Glue • Resene Washi tape 1 Paint wooden dowel with two coats of Resene Noir, leaving it to dry between coats. 2 Using your compass and pencil, measure and draw an 8.5cm-diameter semicircle on the base of your cardboard. Also draw a leaf shape, 7.5cm long.…

Eighteen months ago, my parents came to live with us up north, and it seems that at the same time a Ischaemic Attack), the medical term for a mini stroke. My friends felt terrible, thinking they had missed the signs but, having seen her have become friends, joking with each other, hugging each other and crying together. Buddies in a time of crisis. In the early days I played Scrabble with Mum. She loves Scrabble and is very good at it, and I figured keeping those brain cells exercised was a good idea. She wasn’t quite up to her usual standard but at least we were putting words on the board. But when she put down the word “quod” I rather patronisingly told her that it wasn’t a word but…

1 ROOM WITH A VIEW Located in the heart of sunny Surfers Paradise, The Ruby Apartments enjoy stunning views of the Gold Coast hinterland and beaches. 2 COUPLE TIME Take your pick from cocktail-making, wine and cheese tastings, live music, movie nights and more! 3 TABLE FOR TWO Book a romantic dinner at Stones Bar and Grill or enjoy the intimacy of a private dinner on your own balcony. 4 MAKE A SPLASH Relax and unwind with some much-needed chill time by the pool, cocktail in hand. Active couples can get their fix at the gym, sauna or steam room. 5 STAR TREATMENT Customer service is paramount at The Ruby Apartments, with ambassadors and digital concierge on hand to give you everything you need for a five-star romantic getaway couple’s…

English physicist Prof Brian Cox brings his Universal World Tour to Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland this June. The popular scientist explores the evolution of our solar system and universe through ultrahigh resolution LED screen technology. For details, go to eventfinda.co.nz. Carried Away: Bags Unpacked tells the stories of more than 150 bags, exploring the creation and purpose of these everyday objects and the people and cultures who used them. The exhibition runs from June 13 at Auckland Museum. For more information, go to aucklandmuseum.com.…

Gemini MAY 22-JUN 22 When the Gemini new moon on June 3 delivers your once-a-year birthday present, set aside some quality self-time to get clear about what you truly, madly, most deeply want. Not easy, with articulate Mercury and energetic Mars in your business zone pitching ideas, negotiating work terms and juggling earning with splurging, but you need focus this month. Keep others on board by staying on track, and avoid complicated arrangements with too many options. Mid-month Venus sashaying into your sign is super-friendly and electrically sexy, but try not to race ahead of yourself at the overstimulating June 17 full moon. Cancer JUN 23-JUL 23 Inspired by the moon of new beginnings on June 3, you will look less in the rear-view mirror, more forward towards a new…