Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2019 i Australian Women’s Weekly NZ

A few weeks ago our 15-month-old cat, a gorgeous tabby named Max, went missing. He was a roamer – neighbours from streets away had often told us Max had spent the afternoon at their house or they’d seen him strolling through their backyards – but he’d never completely disappeared before. He was always home for dinner and, a smoocher, he would always be home as our boys arrived back from school, ready to cuddle in a lap. But on a Sunday afternoon he was nowhere to be seen. Nor on the Monday morning. We asked neighbours, walked the streets calling his name, checked a house being built a couple of doors away in case he’d accidentally got locked inside. No luck. “To live is the rarest thing of all. Most…

YOWO is a new app that connects you with local cafés and bars that welcome workers, allowing you to step out of your home office and into a variety of inspiring spaces. Members can perch at any YOWO-friendly venue and have access to high speed Wi-Fi, charging stations for laptop and phone, discounts on food and coffee and other member benefits. Our Letter of the Month writer this month will receive a three-month YOWO subscription, a Blunt umbrella, reusable coffee cup, notebook, wireless mouse and backpack, all worth more than $500. Writers of other published letters will receive an Australian Women’s Weekly cookbook.…

Actress Anna Jullienne – known for her work on Shortland Street, 800 Words and TV3’s Mean Mums – is busy explaining all the bits and pieces of random knowledge she’s acquired from her 16 years in acting. “You go so deeply into one script and learn so much about a little, strange niche,” she laughs. “Like, I’m a real expert on the invention of the vibrator, which is handy, isn’t it? When don’t I talk about that?!” Having a conversation with the 36-year-old is like having a front-row seat at a comedy show and it’s at this point during our interview that I can’t help but get the giggles, particularly when Anna expands on what it’s like having to make, erm, sex noises in front of a live audience. Luckily…

They say it takes a village to raise a child – or, in Lisa Harrison’s case, an army. The 41-year-old single mother of two, who works as a Regional Physical Training Advisor at Linton Military Camp, admits that raising her children while working would have been a struggle without the Army’s support. “It was hard to juggle being a mum and having a career. Being around good people helped me guide my children. Whether it be my bosses or my colleagues, they’ve all had a little part to play in helping me with the children,” says Lisa. “Now my kids are successful young humans and I take my hat off to the Defence Force for helping to support me while I was solo-mumming.” Her son and daughter (pictured opposite) are…

Sir Michael Parkinson retired from his TV interviewer’s chair 12 years ago, but he is still considered beyond compare. Today’s youth probably have no clue what the magic of “Parky” was all about, but one mention of his name and a wave of glorious nostalgia washes through anyone over the age of 40. In the UK, stars hadn’t made it until they’d revealed their most intimate stories on Parkinson, while on his shows in Australia the likes of Bob Hawke and Kerry Packer succumbed to the bluff Yorkshireman’s cajoling. The interviews were candid, sometimes awkward, often flirty, controversial, explosive and always fascinating as the most famous folk in the world, from Lauren Bacall to Muhammad Ali, Helen Mirren and Madonna to George Michael, even W.H. Auden, provided compulsory viewing for…

01 MAGIC SEATS Whether you’re packing a picnic, golf clubs, the dog or all three, where there’s a will there’s a way – and the perfect magic-seats configuration. Create a floor-to-ceiling cargo area if you please – the HR-V’s rear seats can be arranged in 18 different ways. Whether you’re off to the local markets or the ultimate weekend away, the HR-V RS anticipates your every need – right down to the heated front seats which will keep you as toasty as your thermos. 02 LANEWATCH CAMERA Literally expand your horizons with this safety feature. Mounted on the passenger side mirror and activated by the left indicator, the camera reduces your blind spot, displaying the view on the touch screen monitor, ensuring you see any pedestrians or cyclists. 03 HEATED…

The FLOATY DRESS What could be more feminine than a long, floaty dress with a shirred bodice? Keep out the chill with a bomber style jacket. Pedro jacket, $165 (8-14). ketz-ke.com/leobe Paradalis dress, $179 (6-16).tigerlily.co.nz Cara Wood beaded tote, $150, and Brooke slide, $160. Both witchery.co.nz The DENIM JEANS High-rise jeans suit the female form and can be prettied up with a ruffled, spotted blouse. Black Orchid top, $135 (8-14). ketz-ke.com Magazine pants, $190 (6-14). neuwdenim.com/nz Bella box bag, $110. witchery.co.nz Onitsuka Tiger OK basketball shoes, $170.onitsukatiger.co.nz The BRODERIE TOP White broderie anglaise has timeless appeal and instantly adds freshness to navy staples. Laguna jean jacket, $249 (8-16).loobiesstory.co.nz Cabana top, $159 (8-14).ketz-ke.com/leo-be Sunrise skirt, $249 (8-16). loobiesstory.co.nz Ostara bangle set, $29. tigerlily.co.nz LA Tribe Pixie boots, $359.smithandcaugheys.co.nz The DENIM SHIRT The…

For deeply nourished hair and skin this winter, look to the new Nature Box collection – a sustainable beauty range that harnesses the intelligence of Mother Nature without harsh chemicals. Vegan-certified Nature Box is formulated using 100% cold pressed oils obtained from a process that preserves nutrients so they reach you in their most natural and unrefined state. This ensures valuable hair and skin-loving vitamins and antioxidants are retained to help foster deep nourishment naturally. The Nature Box range includes shampoo, conditioner, hair treatment, shower gel and body lotion. It features avocado oil for repair, protection and nourishment, coconut oil for moisture and freshness, plus macadamia oil for curls and intensive care – each without parabens and artificial colourants. This winning combination of oils is seeing immediate results, rapidly earning…

1. “Start with cream shadow [see previous page] and layer a richer powder shadow on top to increase the intensity,” says Allison. “The cream shadow also acts as a base to prevent creasing.” 2. “For a dramatic effect, concentrate a rich brown pencil (or shadow) along the upper and lower lash lines, followed by two coats of black mascara.” 3. Leave cheeks bare or enhance them just a little with cream blush dabbed on the upper apples, or highlighter swept over cheekbones. Finish with a layer of luscious rusty red lipstick.…

★★★ ALMOND Low in saturated fat and contains healthy heart fats, but also low in protein and calcium; often sweetened. Choose one that is unsweetened and fortified with calcium. ★★★★ SOY The best alternative to dairy milk as it is the most nutritionally balanced with good protein content. Choose a calcium fortified version. ★★ RICE Low allergy risk, but it lacks nutrient variety. Could be good in a pre-workout smoothie due to the high natural carbohydrate content. Choose a calcium fortified variety. ★★ OAT Low in protein and not nutritionally balanced (also contains gluten so not suitable for coeliacs). Choose a calcium fortified oat milk. ★★★★ DAIRY Nutritionally good option. Provides protein, calcium and essential nutrients, although also some saturated fat and cholesterol.…

With the change in seasons often comes a change in our skin too. Whether we’re outside exercising every day or just walking to the bus stop, the cold air and blustery winds can be harsh on our skin. Even when we’re inside, indoor heating and dehumidifiers can leave skin feeling dry. Having a simple skincare routine of cleansing, moisturising and sun protection can make a big difference. Cetaphil has helped people care for their skin for over 70 years and their gentle products are trusted by dermatologists, celebrities and beauty insiders worldwide. SKINCARE FOR ALL For a lot of us, our skin is oily in the summer and drier in the winter, but having an oily complexion year-round is common too. Knowing what your skin needs and choosing a cleanser…

Fish in crazy water SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 40 MINUTES 2kg very ripe tomatoes, chopped coarsely 5 cloves garlic, 1 chopped, 4 sliced thinly 1 cup fresh basil leaves 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes 1 teaspoon caster sugar ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 2 (750g) baby snapper, rinsed 2 fresh long red chillies, sliced thinly ½ cup (125ml) dry white wine 2 (260g) baby fennel bulbs, sliced thinly, fronds reserved 400g mixed cherry and grape tomatoes 4 fresh thyme sprigs ½ cup fresh marjoram leaves chargrilled sourdough, to serve 1 Blend chopped tomato, chopped garlic, basil, salt and sugar in a blender until completely smooth. Pour into a large sieve set over a large bowl. Push tomato liquid through sieve using a ladle; set aside. 2…

Classic lasagne SERVES 8 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 medium (150g) brown onion, chopped finely 1 trimmed (100g) celery stalk, chopped finely 650g pork and veal mince 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 anchovies, chopped ¼ cup (70g) tomato paste 800g canned crushed tomatoes 1 medium (120g) carrot, grated finely 1 cinnamon stick 2 bay leaves 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves 1½ cups (375ml) beef stock ½ cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley or basil 2 ½ cups (200g) finely grated parmesan 375g fresh lasagne pasta sheets BECHAMEL SAUCE 125g butter ¾ cup (110g) plain flour 1.25 litres (5 cups) hot milk 1 Heat oil in large heavy-based frying pan over medium heat; cook onion and celery, stirring, for 10 minutes or until…

For those seeking classy comfort food in winter, these hearty vegetable dishes are the answer.Maggie Warm roasted root vegetable salad with salsa verde SERVES 4-6 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR 20 MINUTES 600g parsnips, scrubbed, halved lengthways 350g mixed heirloom baby carrots, scrubbed, trimmed 1 small celeriac, peeled, halved, cut into 1cm slices 500g small kumara, cut into 1cm slices 2 medium fennel, trimmed, cut into 1cm slices, fronds reserved ½ cup (125ml) extra virgin olive oil ¾ cup (180ml) verjuice SALSA VERDE 4 anchovy fillets 1 teaspoon capers ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard ½ clove garlic 100ml extra virgin olive oil 1 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped ½ cup basil leaves ½ cup mint leaves ½ cup sorrel 2 teaspoons verjuice 1 Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan-forced). 2…

SWEET AND NUTTY Indulge in Nut Brothers Salted Caramel Peanut Butter! The NZ-made, vegan-friendly, gluten-free and five-star health rated nut butter is the perfect guilt-free treat. $6.99 for 300g, at selected Countdown and New World supermarkets. PIE WARMERS Keep dinner simple with a delicious pie from the The Baker’s Son. The new premium pies come in single ($8.99 for 2-pack) or family size ($18.99), in a range of delicious flavours. Available in the chiller section of all good supermarkets. FUN FACT Apples float because they are made up of 25% air.…

• Marinating meat in wine for too long brings out a gamey flavour, so aim for just a few hours at most. Discard the marinade ahead of cooking. • A splash of red wine in gravy enriches its flavour. • Sauté veges in a touch of oil and white wine instead of larger amounts of oil/butter. • Baking salmon in foil with dill, butter, lemon and sauvignon blanc is quick – and tasty. • You can substitute stock or water for wine in a recipe if you’ve nothing to hand. • Don’t be too heavy-handed adding wine to recipes: more is not necessarily better as it can easily overpower the dish. • Reducing wine down concentrates the flavour considerably, so paying attention to the balance of a dish is key.…

I was 16 years old when I first fell in love with hand-made pottery. My teenage self was swayed – or more accurately, my teenage self’s hormones were Swayzed – by that famous moment in the hit movie Ghost when Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze get down and dirty at her potter’s wheel. To an otherwise unsexy soundtrack of Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers, Demi – in a perfectly impractical crisp white sleeveless shirt – and Patrick, shirtless and as rippled as an ETA potato chip, transform a lump of squishy clay into a raunchy sort of erotic aid. Three decades on, re-watching that famous three-minute make-out session on YouTube inspired a hot flush followed by a phone call to book an introductory workshop at the boutique Half Pint…

A month before I went to Iran, I did something I would do in the lead-up to any trip of a lifetime: I googled it. It was not a good day to google Iran. It is quite often not a good day to google Iran. After two minutes of grim reading, I clicked on another link, for the Lonely Planet guide to Iran, the intro to which read: “Welcome to the friendliest place on earth.” On one hand, war, death and oppression. On the other? Well, a Middle East Disneyland, apparently. Before I even make it to Iran, it becomes apparent that the latter Google result is going to be correct. In the airport at Dubai, on my way to the gate to fly to Tehran, I start chatting with…

For sheer diversity, Morocco is the place to go. It has all the splendour of its four Imperial cities – Fez, Meknes, Marrakesh and Rabat – with stunning hotels and exquisite gardens, as well as the exotic landscape of the Sahara Desert, kasbahs (fortresses) and remote hilltop villages. Whether you want to ride through the sand dunes on a camel, sip mint tea in a five-star hotel or a medina, meander through the alleyways of an ancient village or trek through the stunning Atlas Mountains, Morocco has it all. The people are welcoming and the food rates highly on the list of the world’s top cuisines. Our top picks of things to do in Morocco: THE SAHARA DESERT It’s one of the main reasons why people travel to Morocco. Take…

Enjoy a feast of arts and entertainment at Taranaki’s Winter Fest. From August 15-25, some of New Zealand’s best performers will enthrall audiences with stories, comedy, dance and theatre. For more information, go to winterfest.co.nz. Dance night Enjoy a fabulous night of dance in Rotorua on August 10 and support Hospice at the same time. Harcourts Dancing for Hospice is the culmination of 15 weeks of dance training for 20 local identities who will perform their choreographed routines in front of a panel of judges, with the goal of raising $100,000 for Hospice. See rotoruahospice.co.nz. The Barber of Seville will entertain Christchurch audiences from August 1-7. The operatic comedy follows the story of how barber Figaro helps dashing Count Almaviva outwit the conniving Dr Bartolo to win the hand of…

CHERNOBYL HBO SKY/NEONTV.CO.NZ Starring Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård Sometimes it takes the dramatisation of a global event for the shocking reality of it to sink in. And therein lies the power of Chernobyl. Crafted with exquisite detail which breathed such life and loss into the horrific 1986 nuclear catastrophe, this five-part series was as hard to look away from as it was to watch. With outstanding performances across the board and lean, straightforward storytelling allowing the shocking facts of the unfolding disaster to take centre stage, this show is compelling, terrifying, tragically sad and entirely unmissable.…

A Single Source by Peter Hanington , Hachette A Single Source is a multi-layered work focusing on the raft of African and Middle Eastern uprisings known as the Arab Spring. Local tech-savvy youth in Cairo are out to oust the elderly, corrupt president and growing thousands ring the central Tahrir Square daily, baying for the “sick hyena” of a government to be gone. A BBC radio journalist, William Carver, and his producer Patrick are in Cairo to cover events and, as the uprising grows momentum, Carver’s investigations uncover the nefarious actions of a British arms dealer. It’s a story this old hack with impeccable journalistic morals needs to tell, but will its credibility be wiped by the instant news-feeds of the Twitter revolution? At the same time,…

Leo JUL 24-AUG 23 Lights, cameras, a trumpet flourish and roll out that red carpet as the large and in charge quartet of Mars, Venus, sun and new moon in Leo on August 1 announce that this month is all about absolutely, fabulous you. When you’re an influencer in the centre-stage spotlight, everything you do and say has repercussions, so remember that with leadership comes responsibility. As Mercury adds even more vivid charisma to Leo, your birthday month offers spectacular opportunities to expand beyond what’s good for you to what benefits the wider world, because they’re not separate. Whatever you do this month, dreams will come true. Virgo AUG 24-SEP 23 The August 1 new moon in your house of healing gets straight down to business with a shift towards…

Immerse yourself in luxury at the five-star Hotel Grand Windsor, the setting for our stunning photo shoot with Hilary Barry. Winner of the Best New Hotel at the World Boutique Hotel Awards, it boasts a bespoke range of rooms with a nod to the original 1920s Art Deco architecture and interior design – and offers an unforgettable guest experience. Your prize for two people includes two nights’ accommodation, one dinner at Cooke’s Restaurant, breakfast both mornings and valet parking, with a total value of $1200. To enter the draw, email awweditor@ bauermedia.co.nz, subject line “Hotel Grand Windsor”, by August 14, 2019.…

Awards glitz KIWI ACTRESS Rebecca Gibney wowed on the red carpet of the Australian TV Logie Awards. The 54-year-old, dressed in a black fitted gown with billowing sheer sleeves, looked happy to be back in Australia for the event – she lived there for 30 years making shows such as Packed to the Rafters, before moving home to New Zealand in 2017. The actress will be seeing a bit more of Australia over the next few months while she films a new season of her popular crime series, Halifax f.p., which will be returning to screens this year, with Anthony LaPaglia and Jessica Marais joining the cast. The Power of LOVE POP STAR GLAMOUR has become a new bankable asset for movie producers, after the phenomenal box office success of…

In the strangely hot summer of 1969, the hills above Los Angeles offered a sanctuary, not only from sweltering workplaces and smog-wreathed freeways, but the ominous flow of bad news spilling through the vast metropolis. At her home on Cielo Drive, a steep, winding road behind Beverly Hills, 26-year-old Sharon Tate, one of Hollywood’s brightest young stars, kept the windows open and padded around the secluded property dressed as lightly as possible. Things were going well for Sharon. After a hesitant start, her career had taken off, and a year earlier she had married the newly fashionable French-born film director Roman Polanski, whose worldwide hit Rosemary’s Baby had rocketed him into the big league. Best of all, Sharon was eight months pregnant with the couple’s first child. As the weekend…

Standing outside the “Birthday Gates” of Clarence House, it’s impossible not to be reminded of the Queen Mother. As a child growing up in England, I remember crowds gathering every year outside these big black gates in Stable Yard Road, hoping to greet the former Queen Elizabeth who would step outside her front door on August 4 to receive birthday wishes from the people. It was one of those peculiarly British rituals which underlined the public affection for the royal family and started in 1970, continuing until Her Royal Highness’s final birthday at the age of 101. The custom resulted in the current moniker for the gates, and as The Australian Women’s Weekly is welcomed inside for a privileged private tour of the house and gardens, currently the London home…

Comforting colours are exactly what we need right now, with tones from soft peach through to earthy ochre generating a sense of warmth, inside and out. Pantone even named coral their colour of the year because it’s “a nurturing colour” that “embodies our desire for playful expression”. This is especially true in make-up. You don’t need time-consuming techniques to make peachy shades work. It’s the opposite: they do the work for you, brightening and lifting your complexion on contact. “Warm tones like peach and rust have been popular for a while and aren’t going away anytime soon,” agrees make-up artist Allison Boyle. “I love working with them – they’re a great way to add warmth to your complexion as an alternative to summer bronze.” The illusion of warmth is a…

Remember to pay attention to hands and nails too. “Nails show signs of long-term dehydration, becoming brittle with ragged cuticles, especially through winter,” says manicurist Jocelyn Petroni. As we all know, lovely nails can work wonders for hands that have seen too much weather, weeding or washing up. The shape to go for, says Jocelyn, is short and natural with a gently curved edge – and a glossy deep ochre is this season’s rouge noir. Mavala Nail Polish in 992 Walnut Grove and 989 Bergen, $10 each.…

SURGE PROTECTOR Easy and quick makeup multitaskers are top of our wish list, and Clinique Moisture Surge Sheertint Hydrator SPF25, $53, definitely ticks those boxes. The tinted moisturiser with light coverage melts in with your fingers and lasts well – great for those tentative about applying a face base. TOP TIP Brown mascara can be less severe and more flattering than black. We like L’Oréal Paris Paradise Mascara, $26. Fine form With teeth 30 per cent softer than the original detangler, Tangle Teezer’s new Fine & Fragile hairbrush, $24, offers those with sensitive or thinning hair a solution that won’t break stressed-out strands. The mild side Famously used by Reese Witherspoon, Sofía Vergara, Kim Kardashian and more, Cetaphil’s gentle, low-lather cleanser is gaining more kudos by the day.…

“Bone density starts to drop before women are completely menopausal,” notes Professor Eisman. “That’s a good time to have bone density checked.” Start by heading to osteoporosis.org.nz/resources/for-the-public/ and taking the one-minute test. What does a scan involve? You lie down while the scanning arm hovers over your body. What do they cost? Your doctor will write a referral to your nearest bone scan service and the cost is around $100-$150. What about radiation? There is a small amount of radiation exposure but less than what you’d get on a flight from Auckland to Christchurch.…

QI’ve had eczema throughout my life and I’m noticing extremely dry skin and eczema on my body coinciding with my menstrual cycle. The week before my period is due, the skin breaks and bleeds. Are there any vitamins/supplements I should be taking? S.M. Some women describe a cyclic flare-up of their eczema. Because of the localised symptoms, I would also be looking for possible contact irritants. Check the hand wash you are using, for example. Some foods can worsen eczema and it would be worth getting advice on this, particularly doing a food diary and trialling a gluten-free diet. A probiotic containing lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG may help. Q My newborn has been diagnosed with reflux and has been put on medication. But it doesn’t seem to have started working yet.…

Cooking chicken in butter and oil allows you to cook at a higher temperature. You could simply use oil, but the butter adds a lovely golden colour and flavour to the pan juices. Uncooked meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 months; place in an airtight container, separating the layers with baking paper to prevent them sticking together. It is important to use the right type of potato for gnocchi as varieties vary in their moisture content. Choose a dry variety and cook whole in their skins. If freezing gnocchi, do so as soon as they are shaped. Arrange in a single layer on a tray and snap freeze until gnocchi are solid (about 3 hours). Transfer to a container or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.…

Raspberry ricotta cheesecake SERVES 8 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES (+ REFRIGERATION AND COOLING TIME) 200g Anzac biscuits 2 tablespoons caster sugar 75g butter, melted 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon rind 2 tablespoons lemon juice ¼ cup (55g) caster sugar, extra RASPBERRY RICOTTA FILLING 500g cream cheese 400g fresh ricotta 1 cup (220g) caster sugar 3 eggs 125g raspberries 1 Grease a 20cm springform pan. Line the base and side with baking paper. 2 Process the biscuits and sugar until fine crumbs form. With the motor operating, gradually add the butter until well combined. Press the biscuit mixture over the base of tin using the back of a spoon. Place tin on an oven tray; refrigerate for 30 minutes. 3 Preheat the oven to 140°C (120°C fan-forced).…

Meringue-topped mango and passionfruit cake SERVES 12 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES 180g butter, softened 1½ teaspoons vanilla bean paste 2⅔ cups (585g) caster sugar 3 eggs ¾ cup (165g) self-raising flour ¼ cup (35g) plain flour ½ cup (125ml) milk 6 egg whites ¾ teaspoon cream of tartar 1½ tablespoons flaked almonds 1½ teaspoons caster sugar, extra 2 medium (860g) mangoes PASSIONFRUIT CREAM 450ml cream 2 tablespoons icing sugar, sifted ⅓ cup (80ml) fresh passionfruit pulp 1 Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Grease and line three 20cm round springform cake pans. 2 Beat butter, vanilla and 1¼ cups (275g) of the caster sugar in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in the whole eggs, one at a time. On…

This column is usually all about drinking wine but that’s not the only thing you can do with wine. I’m not suggesting bathing in it (though feel free), but rather cooking with wine. CAN YOU USE ANY WINE? It doesn’t need to be fancy but should be reasonable. Don’t use stuff that’s been opened for more than a few days (oxidised wine is good only for vinegar). Never use corked or otherwise faulty wine (after all, you wouldn’t cook with other spoiled ingredients). Quality tends to matter more if it’s a last-minute addition (say, deglazing a pan) rather than a stew left to simmer for hours in half a bottle of red. No need to go as far as a duck recipe I saw in a 1960s cookery book; it…

By your side Choose a bedside table that offers storage, or go for a stool that can double as a desk chair or extra seating around the dining table. Leni Bentwood stool, $40. mocka.co.nz Home Republic Milo 2 drawer side table, $217. adairs.co.nz Sleep tight A bed not only anchors a room, it serves as extra storage if you choose a style with drawers or an auto lift. Use the space saver for extra linen, towels or seasonal clothing. Knap II Tufted Wing gas lift queen bed frame, $1699.freedomfurniture.co.nz Double duty A desk is a handy place for quiet study, life admin or journalling. It can also double as a dressing table for visitors. Urban desk, $120.mocka.co.nz Dress to impress Throws, cushions and unique linen will have guests singing your…

• To find local pottery classes in your region, check out the Clubs page at ceramicsnz.org. Most offer short introductory courses as well as regular night or weekend classes, plus school holiday programmes.  • Working with air-drying clays is the natural next step when children outgrow playdough. These so-called self-hardening clays don’t need firing and, when fully dry, can be painted or varnished. Source them from hardware chains and craft stores.   • Follow your favourite New Zealand potters on Instagram. And if you don’t yet have any favourites, follow the hashtag #nzpottery to find some! …

ELEGANCE ON THE ADRIATIC Explore the Adriatic in style aboard APT’s 18-cabin MV Queen Eleganza. APT’s new 14-day Croatia In-Depth with Sarajevo cruise starts from $9795 per person, a $600 saving, for bookings made by November 30.aptouring.com.au HIDEAWAY GEM Ecologically sound, yet luxurious, the Treehouse Retreat at Diamond Waters, NSW, is the ultimate hideaway for those who love both the bush and the beach. Nestled in greenery, the treehouses look out over serene Camden Haven Inlet.diamondwaters.com.au MARINE PLAYGROUND You’ll find a stunning marine playground at Volivoli Beach Resort, a remote island paradise two-and-a-half hours from Nadi. Surrounded by lush gardens, the resort is perfect for a tropical family escape. volivoli.com…

Neil Young’s Live Rust album came out 40 years ago and, to celebrate, a group of top Kiwi artists will perform all the tracks at concerts in Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland on August 6, 8 and 9. For details and tickets, see eventfinda.co.nz. For the third year running, get your buzz at the Tauranga Coffee Festival. Indulge in the full experience, ranging from great coffee to retailers, live music, street food and more on August 31 at Tauranga’s Our Place. For more information, visit littlebigevents.co.nz.…

Messy, Wonderful Us by Catherine Isaac , Simon & Schuster Described as Me Before You meets PS, I Love You, have a box of tissues at the ready as you read this and be prepared for your emotions to go through the wringer. Medical researcher Allie Culpepper discovers an intriguing photograph in her grandmother’s dresser drawer of her now deceased mother holding hands with a man who Allie resembles, which makes her wonder if the man who raised her is actually her dad. On questioning her grandmother Peggy, she is stonewalled and asked to never bring up the subject again, which only piques her curiosity and strengthens her resolve to investigate further. Pretending she’s going on holiday, she travels to Northern Italy to find out more about…

Letter of the month Judy and Chris Bailey’s story is one of hope and positive attitudes. These facts about melanoma need to be studied and action taken. While trained medical diagnosis is preferable, we can all chart any skin abnormalities on a body outline – both front and back views – every three to six months. Any dark moles can be measured, noted and watched. Some medical centres have a “manage my health” system and evidence of unusual spots could be added to a confidential file for follow-up detection. For a toothache, see the dentist, for a WOF, see a garage, for your health, see a doctor. Act now! Mary Halse CAMINO TREK Reading about Julie Zarifeh’s Camino trek in the July issue brought back memories for me. I did…

NEW TENNIS STAR Fifteen-year-old American Cori “Coco” Gauff took the tennis world by storm by beating her idol Venus Williams in the first round of Wimbledon. Coco was eventually defeated by Romanian Simona Halep. CHART TOPPER Kylie Minogue has had a month to remember – snaring her seventh number-one UK hit with her new song Step Back in Time, and performing for the first time at Glastonbury. FEMINIST FASHION The first woman to lead the historic French fashion house of Dior, Maria Grazia Chiuri, has received France’s highest honour, the Legion d’Honneur, for aligning the label with feminism.…

“The trick is to listen to your instincts, grab the opportunity when it presents itself and then give it your all.” “Like a hangover, neither triumph nor disaster lasts for ever.” “Whenever I see the Queen, I always think, ‘Oh, there I am!’” “Never drink alcohol unless you are celebrating something, upset about something, or if it’s a day that ends with the letter ‘Y.’” “Connect with friends daily and I don’t mean on Facebook. Better to have three great friends than 300 friends on social media. Friends you can really talk to.” “There are no rules about love – I don’t believe – but don’t be in a rush to get married, honestly. I married Taylor much later in my life and it’s worked out just great. Give your…

MARY BRUNNER, 75, a former librarian from San Francisco, became Manson’s first disciple, had his son and took part in the murder of Gary Hinman, a singer and activist Manson had fallen out with. She gave evidence against the Family, and was released from jail in 1977. Now believed to be living incognito in Wisconsin. LINDA KASABIAN, 69, joined the Family as a teenage runaway and was one of the killers sent by Manson to Sharon Tate’s house. She claimed she only acted as a lookout, and turned prosecution witness to escape jail. She has led a troubled life since and now lives alone in a low-rent apartment in Tacoma, Washington. LESLIE VAN HOUTEN, 69, met Manson while living in a hippy commune near San Francisco. One of his most…

“Friendships become incredibly important at this time of life.” The sky is mid-winter blue. Sunlight fractures in shards across the inky Pacific. High on a cliff top, in a razor-sharp breeze, half a dozen actors clink glasses, make languid conversation and evoke the illusion of summer on the set of Rachel Ward’s new feature, Palm Beach. Old friends Sam Neill, Greta Scacchi and Richard E. Grant are here, along with new friends Jacqueline McKenzie, Heather Mitchell and Claire van der Boom, as well as Rachel’s husband of 35 years, Bryan Brown, and their daughter, Matilda. Rachel calls action and for the most part calls the shots. The only slightly meddlesome one is Bryan, who disputes the need for his character to shed tears in this scene. She indulges his spirited…

“There’s so much to keep you occupied. Music. Happy Hour twice a week. Little outings. It’s a lovely place to be.” From growing up in a big family in Christchurch to being happily married for 63 years, Alma’s had plenty of company throughout her whole life. So when the option to move to a Summerset serviced apartment came up, Alma and her daughter Maree were naturally a little nervous it might be a bit on the quiet side for her. But since the move, they’ve discovered it’s been anything but quiet. “I don’t think you’d ever need to feel lonely here. It’s just like a big family… and there’s [always] something going on,” says Alma. When she first arrived at her serviced apartment, Alma had her husband by her side.…

When you arrive in this country from overseas, you need to fill in forms. You know the ones – questions about whether you have a million euros of cash on you or a tomato sandwich in your backpack, and the usual details of name, date of birth and passport number. But what I really get a kick out of filling in is “occupation”. I’ve answered with many roles over the years, from epidemiological research assistant to restaurateur, cooking teacher, television presenter and nurse. However, for the past 10 years I’ve written “food travel writer”. This is the dream job. My role is to lead food-inspired tours to gorgeous parts of the world. You might know about our legendary trips to Italy – this year a lucky Australian Women’s Weekly reader…

Q What is the “colour of the season” this winter? And how can I add it to my wardrobe? A Pantone Colour is a colour-matching system universally used by many industries. Pantone unveils a colour of the year and the top colours for each season (spring/ summer and autumn/ winter). For autumn/winter 2019, these are punchy rich red tones (like burgundy), olive greens, bold blues and golden yellows. To incorporate these hues without making a huge commitment, introduce them in your accessories, such as a bag, shoes, belt, jewellery, hat or scarf. Or invest in a key piece like a jacket or coat that can be worn with existing wardrobe staples. A jumper is another way to incorporate seasonal colours. Punchy reds work well with beige, cream, caramel and navy…

1. “Buff peach-toned eyeshadow (preferably cream) all over the lid, to just above the crease,” says Allison. “Use a fluffy eyeshadow brush to make it cloud-like around the edges.” 2. “Now focus the same shade underneath the eye, using a smaller brush to give a halo effect. Finish with brown mascara, top and bottom.” 3. “Smile and buff a peachy blush in circles over the apples of your cheeks, radiating out along the cheekbone to your hairline. Finish with a dab of lip gloss.”…

Whether you’re shopping for colours or bases, it helps to know your skin tone. For impeccable matching we can recommend visiting a make-up counter where an expert will ask a lot of questions (where you wear foundation, how you apply it, what brands you like and which finish you prefer) and do a three-step stripe shade test on the jawline (for deeper skin tones, on the nose/forehead too, where skin can be much lighter). You can also try these techniques to determine your tone: CHECK YOUR WRISTS: If your veins appear blue/purple you’re cool, if they seem blue/ green you’re neutral, if they look green/olive you’re warm. CHECK YOUR JEWELLERY: Gold is said to look lovely if you’re warm, silver seems more flattering if you’re cool. If they look equally…

Osteoporosis is often described as an invisible disease. We can’t see our bones. We can’t feel how strong they are. They’re out of sight, out of mind. Until they break. “Many people think osteoporosis is something that happens ‘when we’re older’ but the peak incidence of fragility (or unexpected) fractures is under the age of 75,” says Professor John Eisman from the Garvan Institute. “This is a relatively common problem in our population. And after age 75 you have a one in two chance of having a fragility fracture.” There’s a cluster effect, too. Your first fracture may mend well. However, for the next five years your risk of another fragility fracture grows two or three-fold. The problem, say experts, is that we’re not doing enough to treat the underlying…

Some thyroid medications need to be refrigerated, and overheating can make them less effective. For best absorption, take Thyroxine on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. Have your thyroid function checked regularly with a blood test to make sure your dose is correct. HAVE A QUESTION? If you have a question for Professor Kerryn Phelps, write to: Ask The Doctor, PO Box 92512, Wellesley Street, Auckland 1141 or email awweditor@ bauermedia.co.nz; subject Q&A. Letters cannot be answered personally.…

Pears can be cooked a day ahead; refrigerate the pears and reserved syrup separately. Tarts are best cooked on the day of serving. You will need to make the cheesecake a day ahead. You can use firm amaretti biscuits, available from delis, instead of Anzacs, if you prefer. Depending on the design of the springform pan, clip base in upside down so the base is level and the cheesecake is easy to remove. You can use Greek-style yoghurt instead of the mascarpone for a more tangy sorbet, if you like. Biscotti will keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.…

Eco-friendly kitchen There are plenty of small changes we could be making in order to be more eco-friendly. A good place to start is in the kitchen: • DITCH THE PLASTIC WRAP! Plastic food wrap can take decades to decompose. An alternative is to make or purchase beeswax wraps. The reusable wraps are made from natural ingredients and can last up to 12 months. • GET RID OF RUBBISH BAGS The prospect of ditching a bin liner can be daunting for some, but going without can quickly become the new normal. Lining the bin with newspaper helps to capture any yucky liquid and separating out green waste for composting helps prevent the bin from getting smelly. • USE NATURAL CLEANING PRODUCTS Limit the use of harsh chemicals by switching to…

1 2016 VIDAL RESERVE HAWKE’S BAY MERLOT CABERNET SAUVIGNON, $19 The perfect wine for braised lamb shanks, and also pretty tasty on its own. Perfumed with blackcurrant, plum and a herbal lift, the tannins are ripe and silky. Good depth of flavour, and freshness too. It’s a great buy. 2 2018 ASTROLABE WREKIN VINEYARD MARLBOROUGH LATE HARVEST CHENIN BLANC, $26 375ml The delicate apple, honey, sweet citrus and mango notes of this dessert wine lend themselves beautifully to infusing kaffir lime leaves for my favourite pannacotta recipe. It’s lovely chilled alongside too. 3 2017 THE LAST SHEPHERD HAWKE’S BAY SYRAH, $20 A simple, fruity wine, redolent with dark plums, blueberry and a touch of peppery spice, it’s supple with rounded tannins and fresh acidity to finish. Just the ticket for…

WHAT YOU NEED • Macramé cord (available from Kmart) • Metal rings • Collection of coloured wool • Ruler • Scissors With a few simple materials and some basic knot tying, you’ll have this craft mastered in no time. These hangers fitted pots measuring 10cm diameter x 9cm high. START  1 Gather all your materials and decide what colour combinations you would like to achieve. Groups of three or four colours work best. 2 Cut four 1.5m lengths of macramé cord and fold them in half so all the ends meet. Thread the folded end through a metal ring to make a loop (pic 1). Now bring the ends back over the ring and through the loop (pic 2). Pull tightly so all strands sit nicely together (pic 3). 3…

I don’t think I’m particularly unusual in having a lifelong fantasy that one day I would find on my doorstep a little stray kitten or puppy left for me to look after. I imagined the feeling of taking in a needy animal and nursing it back to health must be very rewarding and such a good thing to do. Even if you already have quite a few pets, surely there would be room for one more? Well, now I know, because recently a little grey kitten appeared on my verandah. It would jump up, sniff around, then quickly run away again. At first, I thought I was imagining things, because in the five years we’ve lived in the country we’ve never seen a single stray. Then, right on dusk, there…

YOU’LL BE PAMPERED We know girls just wanna have fun at Ruby, so the Girlcation package entitles you and your girlfriends to... two $25 Endota Spa vouchers, complimentary use of the sauna and steam room, a complimentary cocktail at the lounge bar each night and a guaranteed 12pm late checkout – but you won’t want to go home. The package also includes continental breakfasts, complimentary WiFi, complimentary national calls from your in-room phone, 24-hour check-in, access to Ruby’s 24/7 digital concierge, daily housekeeping, and undercover parking.…

Namibia evokes enchanting images of towering sand dunes and desert-adapted wildlife roaming its stunning landscapes, but it is also home to the nomadic Himba people. These hunter-gatherers inhabit the remote northwestern region of Kunene, donning traditional clothing and distinctive hairstyles. On a Namibian safari, you can interact with this incredible tribe, explore one of the most uninhabitable deserts in the world, and embark on thrilling game drives in the likes of the famed Etosha National Park. East Africa The Maasai people are known around the world for their unique customs and vivid attire, sporting elaborate beadwork with stretched, pierced earlobes. Travellers wanting to visit one of the tribe’s many villages, scattered throughout Kenya and Tanzania, can also explore the game parks of the Great African Lakes, along with the Masai…

2019 has been an exceptional year for Pasifika film-making. A collective of talented wahine toa premièred their woven stories together as Vai at the Berlin Film Festival in February – a beautiful film which can now be enjoyed on DVD/VOD. Alongside Vai in Berlin and now here for us all to experience on the big screen is the documentary For My Father’s Kingdom from Tongan/New Zealanders Vea Mafile’o and Jeremiah Tauamiti. This impressive debut documentary, the first ever from a female Tongan film-maker, is the very personal story of her father, pensioner Saia Mafile’o. A devout Christian and family man, we meet him in his South Auckland neighbourhood walking his local streets before dawn on his paper run; his meagre earnings will be donated in their entirety to his church.…

THE OTHER HALF OF AUGUSTA HOPE by Joanna Glen, HarperCollins Augusta Hope was born just after midnight on a different day and month to her July 31st-born twin sister Julia in a small town in England, and the siblings couldn’t be more different. Augusta likes reading the dictionary, isn’t afraid to speak her mind and is one of those ever-enquiring kids who is forever wanting to know why, while Julia is calm, pretty, goes with the flow and lives a much easier life than her sister. Yet Julia is Augusta’s staunchest supporter and best friend, until an incident while on holiday in Spain changes their close relationship for ever. In a different part of the world, a boy called Parfait is the eldest of seven children whose happy family life…