Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2019 i Australian Women’s Weekly NZ

For my Dad’s 70th birthday a few years ago we created a poster titled “70 Reasons Why We Love Ray”. It was made up of all the little moments over the years that had become Crawshaw family folklore. Like the time he painted our kitchen in hues of red and apricot, convincing us it was going to be trending (it never did, and those horrendous colours lasted years too long in our family kitchen). Or the time he took us all out in his old runabout boat for the day and quickly got us stranded on the Waitemata Harbour, having to be rescued (the boat sat on our front lawn after that, never to see the water again; instead retired as a playhouse for my brother and I). Or the…

Avène has years of experience in caring for sensitive skin and is trusted worldwide. At the heart of the brand is Avène Thermal Spring Water – included in all Avène products, it is renowned for its dermatological benefits. Based on the expertise gained at the Avène Hydrotherapy Center and extensive scientific data, Avène Dermatological Laboratories developed Eau Thermale Avène, a range of dermo-cosmetic skincare products formulated with Avène Thermal Spring Water. This month’s Letter of the Month Writer will receive an Avène prize pack worth $460. Writers of other published letters will receive an Australian Women’s Weekly cookbook.…

Thirty seconds into interviewing Annabel Langbein, a very Annabel Langbein thing occurs. We are sitting in the lounge of her Auckland home, when her husband Ted Hewetson barrels through the door with two boxes of buffalo mozzarella and two of the cheesemakers themselves. Annabel greets both with equal measures of enthusiasm – she really loves people, and she really loves cheese. She and Helen, from Clevedon Buffalo Co., get into a conversation about how much they are enjoying this stage of their lives when Helen says: “It’s a wonderful time to be a woman.” This mirrors the exact conversation we’ve just been having, where Annabel is saying how surprised she has been to realise that the life stage she’s now in happens to be the best one. It was a…

In the 700-year history of Britain’s parliament, all manner of showmen, scoundrels, seducers, chancers, charmers and crackpots have risen to power – sometimes through villainy, occasionally by accident – but none with the swirl and dazzle of Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson. Plain “Boris”, as the new Prime Minister is known to almost everyone, is a big, blond bundle of contradictions – a brilliant mind with a taste for buffoonery, a child of privilege with a common touch, an oversexed connoisseur of talented women who longs for commitment and security. Boris has been famous for almost his entire adult life, first emerging into the world of glossy magazines and gossip columns as the leader of Oxford University’s “gilded set” in the mid-1980s. Millions of words have been written about and…

When you have caffeine, that leads the body to produce adrenaline – the same reaction your body has when something stressful happens to you. If you like to enjoy a flat white on a calm morning, that’s fine. But when you’re stressed and you decide to have a long black, that’s when you’re doubling down on adrenaline. It’s a different story with alcohol. “There’s not a medical professional body in the world that’s going to condone daily alcohol consumption,” Libby says. Most suggest a minimum of two alcohol-free days a week – and sticking to two standard drinks on days when you do drink. A standard drink is much less than you think it is – for instance, just 100ml of wine is considered one standard drink.…

I’m big on seasons and the anticipation of one changing to the next. In darkest frosty July and August I can’t wait for summer to arrive… even the vaguest smell of sunblock lotion and a travel photo of beaches or a palm tree is evocative and alluring. It works in the opposite direction too – the first heavy dump of snow in winter or the struggling initial appearance of delicate little snowdrops and hyacinths in spring can almost bring a seasonal tear to my eye. The ending of a friend’s marriage is also like a changing season. Some marriages (and God willing my own will last a lifetime) seem to be just for a short season. Recently Ross and I have found ourselves in the middle of a glut, with…

Ziera’s Pearl slip-on is the ultimate in comfort and style. With a fun zebra print, lightweight features and soft cushioning, it’s the perfect footwear for when you’re on the go. Pearl in Zebra, $240. zierashoes.com. HEY, LOOK! Say hello to new Kiwi brand Hej Hej (pronounced hey hey) – a collection of distinctive, colourful designs that are easy to wear and made from premium natural fabrics. See their spring range in lovely linen, including the Indiana in Moss dress, $250 (right) at hej-hej.co Harry & Co Invest in a handcrafted leather bag from New Zealand brand Harry & Co. Made from only the best materials sourced from New Zealand and Europe, the range of handbags has been designed to be as practical as possible so the brand has something for…

Consumers are more concerned than ever about their health and the environment, causing them to question what’s in their beauty products. In order for consumers to make conscious decisions, education is necessary. Rochelle Jacobs, managing director at Naturally Serious, and Karen Behnke, founder of Juice Beauty, help shed some light on the natural beauty movement. Natural vs organic vs clean. What is the difference? Natural is commonly considered to be an ingredient that is a plant or a mineral. “The word organic is highly regulated and means the brand or ingredients have been certified by the relevant organic certification body. An accompanying logo that confirms this should be found on the packaging,” says Rochelle. Clean has no legal definition but is commonly understood as a product free of “toxic” ingredients:…

Some scientists say the two diseases are caused by the same bacteria, and that the bacteria which lead to inflammation in the gums can enter the bloodstream and move to parts of the circulatory system. The premise behind this theory is that the body produces an inflammatory response to the bacteria, leading to plaques forming in the arteries. Supporting this idea is the discovery of oral bacteria in the fatty deposits of some people with atherosclerosis. So while experts like Dr Fritz Heitz say going to a periodontist won’t fix your heart problems, some studies show periodontal therapy can reduce the markers of systemic inflammation. And a consensus report in the American Journal of Cardiology said those with moderate to severe periodontitis should be told of a possible increased risk…

“Invest only money you can lock away for at least 10 years.” In some ways women are better investors than men. So how come we often end up with lower savings? Many women are reluctant to make riskier investments. That might sound like a good thing. There are certainly some stupid financial risks out there! But sensible higher-risk investments, over the years, bring in higher returns – interest, dividends and so on. If you follow a few rules, you won’t be tripped up by risk. Before we go into that, though, let’s look at the ways women tend to invest better than men. THIS COLUMN IS SUPPORTED BY THE FINANCIAL MARKETS AUTHORITY TO ENCOURAGE WOMEN TO TAKE AN INTEREST IN KIWISAVER AND INVESTING. VISIT FMA.GOVT.NZ FOR MORE INFORMATION. MARY’S VIEWS…

Sesame prawn skewers SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR 1 tablespoon fish sauce 2 teaspoons white sugar 1 stick lemongrass, white part only, chopped finely 2 cloves garlic, chopped finely 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds ½ teaspoon sesame oil ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil 24 (1kg) uncooked king prawns 2 (260g) Lebanese cucumbers, cut into chunks 1 cup loosely packed fresh coriander sprigs 1 cup loosely packed fresh Thai basil leaves lime wedges, to serve 1 Soak 24 short bamboo skewers in water. 2 To make the marinade, combine the sauce and sugar in a medium bowl; season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Add the lemongrass, garlic, seeds and oils; mix together well. 3 Shell prawns, leaving tails intact. Slice the…

This is a debate that could fill many more columns! It’s hard to argue that fewer chemicals is a bad thing, especially with the very concerning data emerging about the carcinogenic effects of the widely-used herbicide Roundup (glyphosate). Improving the soil, conserving water and energy, and improving vineyard biodiversity means organic vineyards are left in better shape for the next generation, many of whom will also live on their land. To find organic wines, look for the BioGro logo or the Demeter certification symbol for biodynamic wines. A national organic standard is slated for release this year. Back labels and websites should also help guide you, especially for producers using organic or biodynamic methods but not (yet) certified.…

PAINT JOB To brighten up plain walls in a child’s bedroom without repainting the whole room, use sample pots of paint to create a “mural” or border of geometric shapes in different colours. • Animal safety Snip the plastic rings from the lids of bottles and larger jars before throwing them into the recycling or garbage, to stop them becoming a strangle hazard for birds and other wildlife. • Hot solution If cold weather makes it difficult to apply your eyeliner, use a hairdryer to very gently heat the tip for 2-3 seconds. • Quick change If ants are driving you crazy, put lemon peels in a saucepan, cover with vinegar, heat until almost boiling, then remove from heat and leave overnight. Strain into a spray bottle and spritz wherever…

WHAT YOU NEED • Lightweight fabric, such as muslin, calico, cotton, or mesh • Scissors, ruler and pen • Iron • Sewing machine and sewing pins • Sewing thread to match fabric • Cord, ribbon, jute string or similar • Safety pin • Black fabric marker pen Firstly, decide what size you’d like your produce bags to be. This will depend on what you usually buy. The example shown here makes roughly an A4 size bag, which is a good all-purpose size, but you might prefer to have some smaller or larger bags too. The instructions are the same for all sizes. 1 Cut fabric to required size, ensuring you allow extra for seams and the top fold. I cut my fabric to 350mm high x 450mm wide. With the…

There are some people in life who launch headlong into projects, get them done and are happy with that. Then there is me. I’m a planner. I plan so much that sometimes I think I get more enjoyment out of the actual planning than the project. When we travel I will spend months searching sites for the nicest accommodation, I’ll spend days getting the best flights, ensuring there are no early starts for airports because we are just too old for that these days. Then once I have it all booked I’ll go back most days and luxuriate over the gorgeous Airbnb I’ve booked, or the resort with the infinity pool, and escape into the holiday for months before it actually happens. It’s the same with my garden up north,…

CALIFORNIA DREAM WITH GLOBUS California is so much more than the bright lights of Los Angeles – from soaring cliffs, sprawling vineyards, quaint villages and bustling cities, it has it all. Discover the real Golden State in style, comfort and ease with Globus’ California Classic, with no worrying about queues, baggage or anything else. Simply board the air-conditioned, Wi-Fi-equipped coach and let Globus sort the rest as you experience the food, fun and local favourites – leaving you to worry only about filling your photo album. Talk to your travel agent today or visit globustours.co.nz. CULTURE HUB Canberra’s National Gallery of Australia is exhibiting works by Matisse and Picasso in December. So if you haven’t been Australia’s capital, this might be a good time to pay a visit. You’ll also…

THE CITY OF PETRA This ancient city is seen in all its glory in the 1989 cult hit, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. You can spot the famed archaeologist making his way through Petra’s Siq, a stunning sandstone canyon opening into the soaring façade of the Treasury. Visitors to Jordan can walk the same path in a night-time visit to the “Rose Red City” lit by 1500-plus candles! Exotic Marigold India Grab yourself a sari and head off to India to experience the majestic journey showcased in the beloved film, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Visit iconic monuments in Udaipur and Jaipur, shower yourself in marigolds at the bustling Janta Bazar flower market, and follow in the footsteps of the movie’s characters with an overnight stay at Ravla Khempur…

Sometimes a film comes along which does everything in its power to win my heart, but fails miserably. More times than not I like to lay the blame firmly on the doorstep of the film itself. Other times, like right now, I must consider the possibility that the cynic in me might be responsible. Because what we have here is a film with a tonne of heart and important messages of tolerance, love and the power of music, and if you can stomach the overwhelmingly trite and earnest delivery, then Blinded by the Light could be just the ticket. Based on the memoir of British journalist Sarfraz Manzoor, Greetings from Bury Park: Race. Religion. Rock ’n’ Roll., the story is set in Britain during the tumultuous times of the Thatcher…

Wolfe Island by Lucy Treloar , Macmillan (available August 27). Review by Juliet Rieden There’s a beguiling, slow pace to Lucy Treloar’s extraordinary new novel. The ebb and flow of the plot and almost clandestine character revelations seem utterly in tune with the landscape, which in turn is slipping into the sea. But there’s also a shocking grittiness here, exposing malice and a world that has become unhinged. Kitty Hawke is the last resident of Wolfe Island, which like other islands in Chesapeake Bay, is disappearing. Here she lives alone, a sculptor or “assembler” as she calls herself, working with items foraged from the island or washed up from the sea. Her only companions are her Wolfdog, Girl, and the ghosts of her past. Then, one day…

In a riveting story based on true events, Diane Armstrong has written a moving tale of bravery, passion and betrayal. The saying “no good deed goes unpunished” is especially poignant and apt when applied to the story of Miklos Nagy, who in 1944 risks everything to rescue more than 1000 Hungarian Jews from certain death in extermination camps. His is a story of determination and heroism. To achieve what he conceives as his duty, Miklos discovers how much he must put at risk and sacrifice to save the lives of others. He succeeds, but the price he pays both at the time and in later life leaves us pondering vindictiveness, human cruelty and just how we might react in certain situations. Diane Armstrong effectively weaves her storyline amongst factual evidence,…

Virgo AUG 24-SEP 23 With the planets of dash, savvy, love and money lavishing you with charisma, this very Virgoan month highlights your signature kindness, natural elegance and organic efficiency for everyone to appreciate. Yes, those awesome superpowers of detail-tweaking and admin-blitzing are peaking, but be realistic about how much one Virgo can do and give – don’t get so caught up in practicalities that you lose the fun factor. Celebrate your birthday month and lighten the workload by lowering the limbo bar of expectations, setting aside the to-do list, reminding yourself you really don’t have to micro-manage everything, and surrendering to the pleasure of letting others do it for you. Libra SEP 24-OCT 23 During the first half of September, Mars and Venus offer an astral assist for releasing…

A rollicking royal time IT WAS ALL SMILES in the royal family this month, with a joyous celebration of Prince George’s sixth birthday. The photograph of George’s romp in the garden was taken by The Duchess of Cambridge at their Kensington Palace home. The palace also shared a family photo taken on holiday (right). Meanwhile, The Duke of Sussex delighted staff and patients at Sheffield Children’s Hospital where he personally signed the same guest book that his mother Diana, Princess of Wales, signed when she visited in 1989. Downhill for Baldwin St The title of the world’s steepest street no longer belongs to Dunedin. Baldwin Street in the Otago city lost its illustrious claim to fame when Guinness World Records awarded the title to a Welsh street named Ffordd Pen…

FAVOURITE TIME OF DAY I love waking up, and I’ve got this nice husband next to me and he’s either asleep or reading and there’s this wonderful sense of calm. I also love the end of the day, when you come in after being outside or at work and you pour a glass of wine and get something out of the fridge and have a bit of a chat. It’s different in the country to the city, I think. In the country, it’s more about light. And in the city, you’re more aware of things like when is it busy outside on the street and can I get a park! FAVOURITE NIGHT OUT With a bunch of friends and we’re at their place; I usually prefer that to a restaurant.…

It would be fair to say that Kiwi star Zoe Bell has been on a roller coaster for the past 18 months. There was the day she stood on set in Los Angeles, living the dream of many aspiring actresses by going head-to-head with Brad Pitt in her director pal Quentin Tarantino’s new film, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, in which she also ran a whole stunt team, co-ordinating action sequences for stars like Leonardo DiCaprio. Then there was the moment her walls crumbled down as long-time love, 36-year-old director Jacob Horn, suffered horrendous physical and brain injuries in an accident, forcing her to drop everything to sit by his bed, waiting for him to awake from a coma. Jacob pulled through in time for Zoe’s 40th birthday last…

It’s the eve of the start of the Copenhagen Fashion Summit and there’s a lot going on behind the ancient heavy wooden gates of Frederik VIII’s Palace. The event’s proud patron, Crown Princess Mary, is preparing to host a rather exclusive welcome dinner for the key players of this annual brainstorm, and after weeks of grey drizzle the sun has obligingly come out to present a backdrop of bright blue sky. Queen Margrethe II’s Royal Life Guards are parading outside, Her Majesty’s golden curly M insignia emblazoned on their red painted wooden gatehouses and the mirror-shined black patent bags that accessorise their dashing uniform. These young soldiers clutch rifles with sharp bayonets fixed, and beneath towering bearskin fur hats their expressions are suitably impenetrable. It’s a wonderful permanent display of…

In 2018, there were 62 organ donors – one donor can save the lives of up to 10 people through organ and tissue donation, so 192 people were able to receive heart, lung, liver, kidney or pancreas transplants. Ticking “donor” on your driver’s licence is only an indication of your wishes – you still need to have a conversation with your loved ones. If you are ever in a situation where donation is possible, doctors will ask your family if they know your wishes. The process is respectful and doesn’t interfere with funerals – you can still have an open casket or have the body taken back to a home or marae. Anyone can be a donor; there are very few health conditions that prevent donation. Doctors will assess the…

Q What is the best way to sort and pack your wardrobe when moving to a new city? A I’m sure there are many of us who at some point in our lives will benefit from this advice and information! The first step always is to clear out or purge your wardrobe. There is no need to pack and pay for moving clothes that you’ll never wear again or that don’t fit. Be sensible, realistic and diligent. Be brave. The second step is to wash and thoroughly dry the clothes you intend to pack. Then categorise your clothing so you know where everything is and it’s all at your fingertips when you arrive in your new home. If you’re not using a moving or relocation company, make sure you use…

Hair removal devices are the latest technologies to simplify your personal, at-home grooming routine. The tool uses intense pulse light (IPL) to hinder hair growth at the follicle. Note hinder, as opposed to eliminate – the device can only achieve a permanent reduction of hair growth, not permanent removal. Dark hair is the most responsive to light energy as it has a higher concentration of melanin. Fair, red, white or grey hair don’t have enough pigment for the laser to target. Philips Lumea Prestige IPL hair removal device, $1300 (from Farmers).…

What’s the best thing about getting older? DENISE: There is more time to do all the things you want to do. Rather than having time restraints: you have to be here at 2pm, you have to be here at 6pm. It’s more relaxing, particularly if you’ve worked all your life. All of a sudden you can almost chuck your appointment book away and just keep the social pages, because that’s all there is! COLLEEN: I think living life at a slower pace of your own choosing – that’s it really. CYNDI: Yes, I agree! It’s wonderful. I can go to golf every day if I want to – I haven’t got a big house to look after any more. I come and go as I please. Do you feel your…

• Brush your teeth twice daily. • Floss at least once a day. Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque that can’t be reached with your toothbrush. • Use a mouthwash. Swishing with a mouthwash can help remove food particles that might have been missed by brushing and flossing. • Know your risk. Diet, age, smoking, genetics and diseases like diabetes and arthritis can increase your risk of developing periodontal disease. • Have twice-yearly dental check-ups and professional cleans by your dentist or dental hygienist. • Reduce the amount of sugar in your diet.…

Some simple lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of dementia, researchers have found – even if the disease runs in your family. The British study, which followed nearly 200,000 people from the age of 64 for eight years, discovered that those who outwitted dementia didn’t smoke, exercised regularly, ate a balanced diet that included more than three portions of fruit and vegetables a day, chose fish twice a week, limited processed meats, and kept their alcohol intake within the guidelines. Researchers say it is no coincidence that these choices are also beneficial for your heart. “Some of the same risk factors for heart disease, like high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and diabetes, can put you at greater risk of developing dementia,” says Professor Robert Howard from University College London.…

Have a question or concern about saving or investing for Mary? Email awweditor@ bauermedia.co.nz, subject Money. Letters cannot be answered personally. If your topic is chosen you will receive a copy of Mary’s book, Rich Enough? A Laid-Back Guide for Every Kiwi. Mary Holm is a journalist, presenter, and best-selling author on personal finance. She writes a column in the Weekend Herald and presents a fortnightly money segment on RNZ. Mary’s advice is of a general nature, and she is not responsible for any loss that any reader may suffer from following it.…

PANCAKE TREAT Indulge in pancakes without the hassle of having to cook! Marcel’s new Apple Cinnamon pancakes are perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat – simply pop them in the toaster! Available from Countdown and other selected supermarkets. $3.99 for a pack of six. ALMOND GOODNESS Try the new Chantal Organics range of almonds for a delicious, healthy snack. The 175g packs are great for sharing, so why not take some to work? Available in three varieties at health food stores and selected supermarkets, from $9.99. “You can halve the sugar in most baking recipes without losing a lot of flavour. Most recipes these days have far too much sugar in them.”– Wendy Neame…

1 2018 THE DARLING MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC, $22 Co-owner Bart Arnst is a founding member of Organic Winegrowers NZ, doing a huge amount to inspire and support organic producers. A vibrant, fresh spring-like wine, juicy and bright. 2 2018 TWO PADDOCKS ‘PICNIC’ CENTRAL OTAGO RIESLING, $27 A deliciously crisp, crunchy and zesty off-dry style, with ripe green apple, lemon and honeysuckle notes. The fruit is grown at Two Paddock’s idyllic organic home vineyard of Red Bank Farm in Alexandra – a great picnic spot. 3 2018 MILLTON ‘CRAZY BY NATURE’ SIRIUS GISBORNE WHITE, $24 Great to see Millton still pushing the boundaries after all these years. An intriguing blend of chardonnay, viognier and marsanne – dry, fresh, fruity and just a bit crazy. 4 2016 DOG POINT MARLBOROUGH CHARDONNAY, $34…

I really don’t envy the life of a royal wife and mother. If it’s not bad enough that your every fashion faux pas and family tiff is gleefully pounced upon by the paparazzi (not to mention the public), just imagine how hard it is to organise a decent playdate for your kids. With Prince George literally expected to be the King of the Castle, and Princess Charlotte a shoe-in for the role of Elsa in any school production of Frozen, it must be impossible for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to keep their children’s regal feet on the ground. Perhaps that explains why, when Kate collaborated with Davies White Landscape Architects to create a Back to Nature garden at the Chelsea Flower Show in London this year, her children…

More than a century before Diana, Kate, Meghan and Mary graced the royal red carpet, the first true celebrity princess was arguably Empress Elisabeth of Austria (right). At just 16 years of age, Sisi, as she was affectionately known, was swept off her feet by Franz Joseph I, heir to the Habsburg monarchy’s Austro-Hungarian empire. In April 1854, they married in a fairytale ceremony in Vienna and Sisi immediately became one of the most powerful and most talked about women in the world. She was breathtakingly beautiful with a natural warmth and shyness which endeared her to the masses and earned her the moniker “The People’s Princess”. The young Empress was a trailblazer; her exquisite fashion and elaborate hairstyles were copied by Viennese high society, and with every public appearance…

Think glittering turquoise waters, sparkling sands, blue skies and ochre red dirt. No matter how many photos you have seen, nothing quite prepares you for those vivid hues of the historic pearling town that’s the southern gateway to the Kimberley. Back in the 1890s, Broome was a ramshackle town as well as a world leader in supplying pearl shell. More than 400 pearling luggers would be anchored in Roebuck Bay and divers from Japan, Malaysia, China and the Philippines donned heavy canvas diving suits and metal helmets to harvest pearl shells from the ocean floor. The colourful history of the early pearling days can be discovered at the Pearl Luggers Museum, which displays original diving artefacts. These days, multicultural Broome is still home to a pearling industry but instead of…

Highlights of the music, drama, film and comedy on show in New Zealand in September. Showman Hugh Jackman is providing us with the greatest show with his self-titled musical, Hugh Jackman: The Man. The Music. The Show. Performing songs from The Greatest Showman, Les Misérables, The Boy from Oz and more, the singer-actor will be in Auckland on September 6 and 7. See hughjackmantheshow.com. They’re celebrating 50 years of music, and heading our way! Fleetwood Mac are joined by our very own Neil Finn for their September 12-21 New Zealand tour. Head to ticketmaster. co.nz to buy tickets or find out more.…

Starring Zendaya, Hunter Schafer and Jacob Elordi. Created by Sam Levinson. The performances of this young cast as they explore some incredibly dark and confronting themes are some of the best you’ll ever see on the small screen. Season one of Euphoria is intimately narrated by Rue (Zendaya), a young woman racked by the highs and lows of anxiety, depression and drug addiction. We see all her friends through her filter, getting to know her in the process. This series is not for the faint of heart or those easily offended. These teenagers must navigate high school and their relationships against the brutal, often relentless backdrop of body-shaming, pornography, sexual violence and toxic masculinity. As unsettling as it is provocative, Euphoria is surprisingly sensitive and indelible storytelling. …

YOU’LL NEVER SEE ME AGAIN  by Lesley Pearse, Penguin Random House Lesley Pearse’s career as an author didn’t begin until she was in her late 40s, but once started, she hasn’t looked back and her books have a large fan base. Her latest absorbing story begins in a fishing village on the south-west coast of England. It’s 1917 and Betty Wellow’s husband has returned from the war – severely shell-shocked, he is unable to work, unable to relate to those who love him. The young couple are forced to live with Betty’s mother-in-law, who dotes on her son but despises Betty. One wild and stormy night, she forces Betty out into the treacherous conditions and Betty sees, and seizes, a chance to escape. She flees to Bristol for a new…

BOOKS THAT SAVED MY LIFE by Michael McGirr, Text A compendium of 40 texts chosen by Melbourne author and teacher Michael McGirr. He begins by slaying the high-grading student who, when asked what he thought of exam text To Kill A Mocking Bird, said, “I never read it, I used the summary on Google.” This is a book about why that student should have read it… why he should still read it. Actually, this fine book is for all of us – even those who think they read everything. Amidst Toni Morrison (Beloved) and Margaret Attwood (Hag-Seed), there are gems like Flannery O’Connor’s A Good Man is Hard to Find. KE STORYTIME by Jane Sullivan, Ventura Press Jane Sullivan grew up in London where she discovers her fledgling libraries, stately…

Letter of the month Hilary Barry is becoming a national icon, following in the footsteps of Mother of the Nation, Judy Bailey. Perhaps Hilary’s title could be “Mate of the Nation” as her down-to-earth, humorous personality resonates with many.  And for those who feel the need to fire a shot every now and then, they are rewarded with some great witty one-liners from Hilary to put them back in their place. A classic, of course, was her response to #newscleave, with Hilary sharing more of her cleavage over the following weeks. I wouldn’t call Hilary a feminist but she is strong and she roars when required. I’d call her someone who is completely relatable to everyday Kiwis, who respect and enjoy her tomboyish, fun Kiwi attitude. I, for one, would love…

HEIDI KLUM The pain of her split from ex-husband Seal behind her, top model Heidi Klum, 46, is smiling again with new hubby Tom Kaulitz, 29. The pair wed on August 3 in Italy. BRIAN LOCHORE New Zealand is mourning the loss of All Black great Sir Brian Lochore. Brian lost his battle with bowel cancer on August 3, at age 78. FOREVER, 21 Bindi Irwin celebrated her 21st in the grandest way, becoming engaged to Chandler Powell. She gushed: “On my birthday I said ‘yes’ and ‘forever’ to the love of my life.”…

As the haughty Dowager Countess of Grantham, Dame Maggie Smith’s stare can silence the lustiest of opponents, while her caustic retorts wither at 20 paces. But I’m pleased to discover that when the cameras stop rolling Dame Maggie is a pussycat, especially to the knee-trembling newcomers on the set of one of the most iconic period dramas of the decade. There are no special demands from the multi-award-winning veteran actress, no diva turns or trailer one-upmanship. “I don’t think that’s very British,” laughs Downton Abbey’s creator Julian Fellowes, who is himself an Oscar-winner for his 2001 film Gosford Park. “She’s very nice to the young ones and when they’re starting out, particularly at the beginning of the show, when several of them had very little experience indeed, Maggie was very…

If you were to look back into the history of human beings, for a long time there was no stress – only survival. A constant battle for shelter, food, water on a micro scale, war, disease, famine on a macro scale. Forty years ago, we didn’t talk about stress the way we do today – and yet, in the Western world at least, our lives have never been easier. The majority of us know where our next meal is coming from, where to seek medical help and we have a source of shelter to rely on. So why are we the most stressed we’ve ever been? Dr Libby Weaver has worked in the health and wellness industry for more than 20 years and it was back in 2008 she noticed…

Rachel watched, intrigued, as the new girl at the table ordered another bottle of imported vodka and swept her tangle of auburn hair away from her face. Anna Delvey’s European accent was hard to place. There was a rumour she was an heiress of some sort – German, or Russian? Her manners were intriguing, as was her appearance. Anna’s eyelashes were long and dark but her face was unexpectedly make-up free. In a city like New York, where excess rules, the heiress’s style was markedly pared back. However, those who paid attention, as Rachel did, would notice her simple strappy shoes were Gucci and her thick lashes were expensive extensions. As the pair fell into easy conversation that first night, in a dim bar on the Lower East Side early…

Gwendoline Smith, aka Dr Know, is a colourful character in so many ways. Her self-help offering The Book of Knowing spent 10 weeks this year at the top of the New Zealand best-seller list. A writer, speaker and psychologist, she specialises in depression and anxiety. The success of her book, she says, shows the enormity of the need out there. In it, she shows you how you think and how that dictates the way you feel. She is waiting for me outside her home in inner-city Auckland, a splash of colour on an otherwise dull winter’s day. She’s sporting a pair of bright red sneakers, a multi-coloured top and a faux fur waistcoat, topped by a pair of large-framed glasses to match her sizeable earrings. She is warm, enthusiastic, welcoming.…

Russet routes Take your pick from the heat saturated hues of Australia’s Red Centre. Pioneer street Earthy browns, foliage greens and a bit of broderie create a hint of colonial cool. Bronze age Mine the colours of nature’s riches with shades of burnished bronze and gold.…

It’s long been a goal of the beauty industry to achieve make-up products that require minimal, if any, touch ups – lasting from the moment you put them on in the morning until they disappear down the sink at night. The degree of success depends on what you’re after. Many items claim eight, 16 and even 24 hours of wear, but whether you’d like the state of your face after wearing them for a full day and night is another story. Many long-wear products feel thick and uncomfortable, look chalky and settle in lines well before their expected “expiry” on your skin. There are some winners however – products and approaches that extend the life of your look and, if they do start to migrate, wear off evenly, rather than…

ADD TO CART High-quality natural skincare for those over 40 (and priced under $40!) is finally gaining shelf space in supermarkets, meaning it’s easily accessible during your weekly shop. Glow Lab and Essano both have excellent new everyday ranges with active botanical ingredients designed to care for skin so it looks and feels its best.  Glow Lab Age Renew Regenerating Facial Serum, $40. Glow Lab Age Renew Total Defence SPF15 Moisturiser, $35. The gourmand genre finally comes of age: sweet, juicy notes take a surprisingly seductive turnin Boucheron Quatre En Rouge, 50ml, $110. GLEAM IN YOUR EYES Make-up palettes usually contain at least one colour that you’ll rarely reach for, but thankfully these new eye arrivals are incredibly wearable and easy to blend, with useful co-ordinating lid, crease and accent…

Over the past few years there has been considerable hype about the link between gum health and heart disease. Many scientific studies have shown significant correlations, but not everyone is convinced. THE RESEARCH In 2016 a Swedish study examined 805 patients under the age of 75 who had suffered their first acute myocardial infarction (AMI), also known as a heart attack. The study also examined 805 matched controls who had no history of heart problems. Gum disease was more common in patients who had had a heart attack than in the control group. In fact, the study concluded that there was a 49 per cent increased risk of AMI among the patients with periodontitis (gum disease). Even after the researchers made adjustments for other variables, such as smoking, the risk…

QI experience vagally mediated atrial fibrillation. When the vagus nerve kicks out it affects the heart, throat, voice, stomach and bladder. How can I stop this nerve from “misfiring”? C.P. Vagal atrial fibrillation is an often-unrecognised condition which may affect younger patients with structurally normal hearts. Episodes of irregular heartbeat occur mostly during or after a meal, at rest or during sleep. Exercise can help control episodes. Your cardiologist will advise on the appropriate amount and type of exercise, and whether medication is indicated for your case. QI have bipolar 2 and severe depression. My doctor switched me from a long-term antidepressant to a mood stabiliser. I’m about to increase the dosage, but I was surprised to read that the side effects are depression, anxiety and thoughts of suicide -…

Crispy-bottomed steamed dumplings roasted squash, broccoli, garlic, ginger, miso, chilli & sesame seeds SERVES 4. PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR 35 MINUTES PLUS COOLING 500g butternut squash olive oil 1 clove of garlic 6cm piece of ginger 80g broccoli 1 teaspoon red miso paste 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar 24 x 10cm square wonton wrappers ½ a fresh red chilli 2 spring onions 2 tablespoons sesame seeds low-salt soy sauce English mustard 1 lime 1 Preheat the oven to 180ºC. Quarter the squash, deseed and toss with 1 tablespoon of oil and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper, then roast on a tray for 1 hour, or until soft and golden. Leave to cool. 2 Peel the garlic and 2cm of the ginger, then whiz in a…

Date, walnut and chocolate torte SERVES 10-12 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR 10 MINUTES (+ COOLING TIME) 9 egg whites 1½ cups (330g) caster sugar 1⅓ cups (300g) chopped, pitted fresh dates ¾ cup (90g) walnuts, toasted, chopped ¼ cup (35g) plain flour, sifted 200g dark chocolate, melted TOFFEE WALNUTS ½ cup (50g) walnut halves 1 cup (220g) caster sugar ⅓ cup (80ml) water CHOCOLATE GLAZE 150g dark chocolate, chopped finely ⅓ cup (80ml) cream 1 Preheat oven to 160°C (140°C fan-forced). Grease and line base and side of a 26cm springform pan with baking paper. 2 Beat the egg whites and sugar in a large clean, dry bowl with an electric mixer for about 6 minutes or until thick and glossy. 3 Meanwhile, combine dates, walnuts and flour…

“The nation that destroys its soils destroys itself.” This powerful statement by Franklin D. Roosevelt seems more prescient than ever with a recent UN speech claiming the world’s topsoils could be degraded within 60 years. It’s increasingly clear that current conventional farming practices are not sustainable long-term. This is a message organic farmers have been trying to communicate for some time, and it’s one falling on evermore receptive ears with sales of organic produce booming. Wine is following the trend, with organic wine sales growing. Of the world’s nine million hectares of vines, 10 per cent are now organic or biodynamic. New Zealand currently has about six per cent of vineyards certified and many more producers practise organic cultivation without certification. Villa Maria, one of our largest producers, has around…

Q If you want to keep your home design timeless what are your favourite neutral or white paint-colour choices for the whole home without it looking too stark or boring? A Resene White Pointer and Resene Merino are both great choices for those wanting a bit of warmth with a hint of grey. To avoid having a flat colour scheme, explore strengths of the same colour. For a basic scheme, I would look at a full or double strength of a colour in a lounge with a lot of light, a half strength in the smaller bedrooms and quarter or eighth in a dark hallway. To keep a neutral or white scheme from looking boring, adding texture and well executed lighting is a must! Q How do you make a…

• Tree swings can be as fancy or as no-frills as you like. The NZ$450 swing in the Duchess of Cambridge’s Chelsea Flower Show garden was crafted from synthetic hemp rope and is made to order by cheaprope. co.uk; the company donates part of the proceeds from every sale to the Duke and Duchess’ mental health charity, Heads Together. • Basic backyard swings include tyres, knotted ropes and short planks with ropes on all four corners. Google “how to tie a double running bowline knot” for instructional videos on making safe, strong, secure knots for swings. • If you want to bring your swing indoors over winter, attach it to ropes or chains using metal shackles that are easy to clip on and off. • Synthetic polypropylene ropes (from hardware…

STAY Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa for best sunsets; Roebuck Bay’s Mangrove Hotel for Stairway to the Moon views. EAT Johnny Sausage at the Mangrove Hotel serves Italian favourites and great cocktails. It is open only in the dry season. VISIT Johnny Chi Lane, a mall connecting Carnarvon Street with Dampier Terrace, for its murals of Broome’s pioneering days. WHEN TO GO The dry season – May to October – is the best time to visit. Temperatures range from 17 to 30 degrees with clear blue skies.…

Back in the bad old days, Kris Kristofferson used to raise hell. Nowadays, at 83, he prefers to tend the lush grounds of his secluded Hawaiian home, or nurture the “bunch of grandkids” that bring him so much joy. “To me, the best part of my life, at this end of it, is my family,” he growls in the rugged baritone that’s thrilled music and movie fans for more than half a century. “My wife, Lisa, and I pinch each other every now and then and say, ‘Can you believe we’ve got this beautiful family that’s so much fun together?’ I wish I could convey how really deeply I feel that.” “I’ll probably spend less time on the road.” Kris, who burned up the screen with Barbra Streisand in the…

This latest work by the author of Girl with a Pearl Earring does not disappoint. It’s a wonderful mix of informed instruction and compelling storytelling. Anyone familiar with embroidery will be at home among “the Broderers” in Winchester Cathedral. Even if you have never held an embroidery needle, Chevalier’s intertwining of fact and fiction, her glorious descriptions, meticulous research and ability to bring her characters alive, mean you will find this story fascinating. It is 13 years after WWI and Violet Speedwell is one of the so called “surplus women”. She lost her fiancé and older brother in the war and at 33 is striving to forge an independent life. A character of wonderful contradictions, Violet is no stereotyped “old maid”, although she appears so to others. She has her…

Wash and reuse bags Multix ReuseMe Sandwich Bags are an alternative solution to disposable, single-use, zip-up bags – just pop them into the dishwasher and they’re ready to go again! Freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe and BPA-free.multix.com.au RRP $4.99. Available from leading New World and Pak’nSave supermarkets. Bring home the bacon! Freedom Farms Rindless Middle Bacon is made from independently audited Freedom Farmed NZ pork. It is classic bacon at its best – a bit of streaky joined to a bit of eye – with lots of bacon-y flavour. Delightful! Our 200g pack is perfect for a weekend breakfast for two, or adding a delicious flavour hit to your favourite winter soups, salads and pasta dishes. RRP $6. freedomfarms.co.nz Lush lashes Created by a medical doctor and tested by an…

My most memorable outfit was… The dress I am wearing on the cover of my last album, SASSAFRASS! (above). It was decorated by Wellington artist Xoë Hall, each hand-painted, re-purposed leather patch symbolising lyrics from the songs, then painstakingly embellished with 3000 rhinestones. I’ve always wanted a Nudie suit (designer Nudie Cohn from the 60s) and this is as close as I’ve gotten!…