Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2019 i Australian Women’s Weekly NZ

We all know what a bad night’s sleep feels like… foggy brain in the morning, endless cups of coffee trying to stop yourself from crumpling in a heap throughout the following day, and an overwhelming feeling of grumpiness at the world and those around you. Life stops being enjoyable when you can barely keep your eyes open, and you stop being productive – either at work or at home. When our youngest son, Gabriel, turned one he suddenly went from being a beautiful sleeper to a night-time screamer. For an entire year, my husband and I (and his older brother) endured hours of our little boy crying endlessly throughout the early hours. We tried everything – letting him cry it out, bringing him into our bed, sleeping on the floor…

Karen Murrell has created a luxurious, limited edition 20-piece collection set for you to “find your new love”. Twenty top-selling Karen Murrell lipstick shades, each encased in her new luxurious gold canister and adorned with feminine prints. Designed so you can experiment with striking natural colour, discover new favourite shades and see how beautiful lipstick can brighten your day. The complete Karen Murrell set includes classic reds, playful pinks, head-turning coral and vibrant berries, versatile nudes and a moisture stick to condition and protect your lips. This month’s Letter of the Month writer will receive Karen Murrell’s Find Your New Love limited edition 20-piece collectors set, worth $500. Writers of other published letters will receive an Australian Women’s Weekly cookbook.…

Forty years ago, Tina Cross became a world-famousin-New-Zealand kind of celebrity, when she donned a sequin-studded dress and sung a particularly memorable song, Nothing but Dreams, which won the Pacific Song Contest. It was the turning point in a career that, although Tina didn’t realise it at the time, would span several decades. Longevity in any career is a tall order, let alone in an industry as volatile as entertainment. But, at 60, Tina is still working, still singing, still a name so recognisable she has the most simple, perfect personalised number plate on the giant white SUV parked outside her North Shore home: Tina X. Hanging on to her passion and love for entertaining is the secret to making a career like hers last, Tina says. “Singing is something…

It would be fair to say that Sue Fleischl likes a challenge. Whether it’s starting her own business while solo parenting, tackling breast cancer or, as she is on the day of our photo shoot, getting ready for a well overdue hip replacement, she is a woman who’s not easily fazed. In her role as co-judge in The Great Kiwi Bake Off, she’s there to nurture the talents of 12 bakers who are put to the test in a high pressure kitchen (albeit one with a lot of bunting and colourful china). Sue knows all about high pressure – she’s lived it from the get-go. The past 12 months have seen the 56-year-old get married, sell her hugely popular business The Great Catering Company, and film season two of Bake…

Set a year before her death, Judy follows the icon as she attempts a comeback, to care for her children and to find love. “A lot of people think of it as a tragic part of her life,” leading lady Renée Zellweger says. ”But you can really see how extraordinary she was.”…

Our grandson, Finnegan (aka Mr Finn) is coming to dinner. He’s relocated, with Mummy and Daddy, from Melbourne to Sydney and we’re very excited to have him living close by. It’s his first dinner with us and I wanted it to be special. Was there any protocol around one’s first formal dinner with one’s grandparents, I wondered? Who would know? Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, that’s who! He was born knowing a bouillon spoon from a spork. I dashed off an email in Finn’s name to the newest royal baby in the world. Archie wrote back promptly. I’d have expected nothing less. Dear Mr Finn, Thank you for your letter. I always think it’s good form to wear ‘nappy, bib and medals’ when dining formally with one’s ‘oldies’. At our age, of course,…

Q I’m wondering what the deal is with shapewear? There are so many different products. I don’t know what the difference is and what they do. Can you give me the low-down on what to buy? I love shapewear and have been wearing it for a few years now. You can bet that at every red carpet event there is shapewear underneath most outfits, if not all of them. When choosing shapewear think about what you would like to achieve. Are you after targeted shaping or allover smoothing? Which area of your body do you want to enhance? There’s shapewear for tummies, bottoms, arms, love handles, thighs and more. It comes in shaping shorts, control panties, tank tops, camis, slips and bodysuits. Whatever you do, don’t buy a size smaller…

1. YSL Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Studs Lipstick in No. 13, $69. A must-have matte that feels great to wear, now dressed up for the season in a limited-edition design. 2. MAC Love Me Lipstick in Shamelessly Vain, $40. This new formula is a serious upgrade on your classic cream lipstick, with all-day moisture and modern, flattering shades. It’s an orange-toned red, which is just the ticket for those who find the classic MAC shade Lady Danger too dry. 3. Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Ruby Cream Lipstick in Bad Blood Ruby, $64. Lancôme has produced an impressive new formula too, with hydrating oils and 24 per cent more pigment, for one-swipe coverage. 4. Revlon Kiss Cloud Blotted Lip Colour, $22. Apply a dot of the unique whipped colour and tap…

“Dear Boobs, you covered my heart space and that is no coincidence,” reads part of a poignant letter written by Emily Searle, shortly before having a double mastectomy. That letter, written by the 39-year-old Tauranga cancer survivor, was the catalyst for her intriguing book project. The book, called Dear Boobs, features the letters of 100 women writing to their “wobbly womanly body parts”. In 2016 Emily underwent 14 rounds of chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy with node clearance, breast reconstruction, five weeks of radiation, and ongoing hormone treatment. Then, in 2017, the day after her final radiation dose, she launched The Dear Boobs Project. Emily’s project was all about collecting “intimate, courageous and sometimes hilarious” letters from women affected by breast cancer, who have undergone surgery. She launched the project via…

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.…

Lifesaving leftovers Make larger quantities and pack leftovers for lunch the next day. Or find recipes that make two meals from one. Leftover beef stew can easily become a pie with a pastry or mashed potato top. Cook it, freeze it On the weekend make big batches of soups, stews and curries that freeze well. Label, date and freeze individual or meal-sized servings in reusable containers. Keep it interesting Don’t bore yourself and the family with the same old recipes week after week. In our Fast Dinners cookbook we have a huge variety of recipes easy and quick enough for you to prepare on a weeknight. Keep adding to your repertoire, mix it up and keep the family interested – it can be as simple as substituting fish for chicken.…

Apple and ginger cake SERVES 15 PREP AND COOK TIME 50 MINUTES (+ COOLING TIME) 2½ cups (375g) self-raising flour 2 teaspoons ground ginger 250g butter, softened 1 cup (220g) brown sugar 2 tablespoons finely grated fresh ginger 1 cup (250ml) golden syrup 3 eggs, beaten lightly 1 cup (250ml) buttermilk ½ cup (115g) finely chopped crystallised ginger 2 small apples, cored, skin on SYRUP ½ cup (110g) brown sugar ¼ cup (60ml) water ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Grease and line a 20cm x 30cm (4cm deep) slice pan, extending paper 3cm over the sides. 2 Combine the flour and ground ginger into a bowl. 3 Beat butter and brown sugar in medium bowl with an electric mixer until pale and creamy. Beat…

CREAMY COFFEE Captivate your senses with the new finely crafted NESCAFÉ Gold café-inspired range. Frothy and creamy coffees made with a quality blend of arabica and robusta beans bring you a rich and creamy taste. Available now in selected retailers in a range of flavours. RRP $6.60 PARTY WITH KOMBUCHA Try new non-alcoholic beer and wine kombucha, available for a limited time. Batchwell have created two new flavours: Sauvignon Grape and Motueka Hops. A perfect pair for any gathering or night out. Available at Countdown supermarkets or online at batchwell.com. RRP $20 for a four-pack. “Prolong the life of an onion by coating the surface of the cut onion with a thin layer of butter. Wrap in foil and store in the fridge. The butter’s fats will create an airtight…

To get the most from a cellar, it’s good to set things up properly. You’ll need somewhere relatively cool (12-15°C is ideal) without significant fluctuation – a few degrees across the seasons is fine, but preferably not across the day or week. Being relatively out of the way will minimise both vibration disturbances and the inevitable ill-advised drunken raids. A system for recording what you store is crucial as it saves forgotten wines languishing well past their peak. There are now some great apps available for this task. Just remember, it’s always better to drink a wine a little too early than too late. When you can afford to, buy at least six bottles of wines you particularly enjoy, as this allows a bottle or so a year to be…

Q What would be your advice on decorating a fun outdoor nook? A There are a few cost-effective ways to easily transform this area. • Paint old, dated brick in a fresh white, such as Resene Sea Fog, or a colour to complement the exterior of your home. If the bricks have not been painted previously, seal with one coat of Resene Sureseal followed by two coats of Resene Lumbersider low sheen. • Paint the flooring. Whether it’s a timber deck, concrete tiles or pavers, paint will freshen things up. Try adding a pattern on tiles for a dramatic effect. • It’s easy to give old furniture new life with a colour of your choice. • Resene testpots are perfect to add a personal touch to pots and planters. •…

• Patience isn’t one of my virtues but, when planning a new garden, it’s sage advice to take your time. Take notes, and lots of photos, over all four seasons before embarking on major landscaping projects. Identify drainage issues in winter, and see how the sun and shade shifts with the seasons. • Inherited large trees that don’t please? Consult an arborist and tackle any unsuitable species before they become a nuisance to you or your neighbours.  • Sketch a rough plan (in pencil) before you turn the first sod. Gardens naturally evolve over time but it’s nice to have a plan to work to. • Dreams are free but budgets are rather more restrictive! Save on plants by starting with small grades of trees and shrubs but never skimp…

PERU Tucked away in Peru’s cloud forest, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo is an intimate Andean village dotted with terraced hills, waterfalls, stone pathways and whitewashed adobe casitas. If you’re on your way to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, staying at this luxury hideaway is a must. Pioneered by a Peruvian ecotourism group, this sanctuary has been at the forefront of scientific and conservation efforts since the mid-70s. Go biking! Aside from the scenic experience, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint and save money on transportation. Ecuador Delve into a world of incredible flora and fauna at Ecuador’s renowned Sacha Lodge. Remote and unspoiled, this eco-gem has protected the magic of the Ecuadorian Amazon for more than 20 years. Its all-inclusive jungle lodge is the perfect base to explore ‘the lungs…

UNTOUCHED MED There’s so much more to the Mediterranean than its sparkling blue waters, endless horizons and sun-baked villages. Go beyond the ordinary with Globus and discover the true magic of the Med that’s loved by locals and untouched by most – all with convenience, comfort and ease. Visit globustours.co.nz or speak to your travel agent. FESTIVE ESCAPES Looking to spend Christmas overseas? Here are three top spots to consider: • Quebec, Canada, where you can join the famous toboggan run at Château Frontenac – one of the city’s oldest traditions and quite the thrill. Zoom down icy tracks on a wooden sled reaching speeds of up to 70km per hour. • Lapland region, Finland, where you can take an evening snowmobile trip to glimpse the Northern Lights. • Prague,…

After gently and authentically wooing audiences at the New Zealand International Film Festival earlier this year, local gem Bellbird is now opening across the country on general release. My advice? Don’t miss it. Northland teacher-turned-filmmaker Hamish Bennett follows up on his award-winning short with this feature-length ode to the deep slice of the New Zealand heartland he calls home – and what a treat this is. It’s the story of Ross (Marshall Napier), a taciturn dairy farmer quietly, almost sullenly, wading through the many muddy seasons of the farming calendar from milking to mating to calving, determined that his just as reticent son Bruce (Cohen Holloway) will take on the farm when he retires. As for Bruce though, he’d rather carve out a life working at the local dump alongside…

Fiction prequel LOST ROSES by Martha Hall Kelly, Penguin Kelly’s debut novel, Lilac Girls, was a tender tale of sisterhood during WWII. The international bestseller took a fresh look at war from the perspective of women connected to Ravensbrück concentration camp. Lost Roses, set a generation earlier, is the compelling backstory. It’s 1914 and Eliza Ferriday, a New York socialite with a social conscience and mother of Lilac heroine Caroline, is helping White Russians escape the revolution. Like Lilac Girls, Lost Roses celebrates the power of female friendship through tough times. KE Secrets & lies SWALLOWTAIL SUMMER by Erica James, Hachette Four old friends get together at Alastair’s English riverside cottage every 30 years. But this year it is different. Alastair’s sculptress wife Orla drowned and after the funeral he…

GIVEAWAY New Zealand chocolate makers Donovans make great Kiwi chocolate for every occasion and their delicious Donovans Baking Range turns one this year! With dark, milk and white chocolate drops as well as Dutch cocoa powder, the range is sure to make for great Kiwi baking. To celebrate, we are giving you the chance to win one of four Donovans prize packs, worth $90, which include a full selection of the Donovans Baking Range and a signed copy of Bluebells Cakery cookbook. To enter the draw, email awweditor@bauermedia.co.nz, subject line “DONOVANS”, or enter online at nowtolove/DONOVANS, using the code AWWMG011, by November 6, 2019. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/awwmagazine FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @awwmagazine…

Royal tot on tour THE YOUNGEST royal, baby Archie, had his first official engagement while on tour in South Africa, sharing a warm moment with Nobel Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu on day three of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s tour. At just four months of age, Archie is reportedly travelling happily despite being the youngest royal ever to go on tour. There was laughter as the press clamoured for shots of baby Archie, with Prince Harry reportedly commenting: “He is used to it already.” The couple said they were honoured to introduce their son to one of the world’s great champions of equality. ROYALS FIGHT BACK Halfway through the tour, Prince Harry released a statement explaining the Sussexes were taking legal action against the UK’s Daily Mail for what…

Prince Edward has visited Australia 11 times and never with his family. While his eldest brother, Prince Charles, and his nephew, Prince William, regularly take their children on official overseas tours, for Edward, 11th in line to the throne, leaving Lady Louise, 15, and James, Viscount Severn, 11, at home somehow seemed more practical. “It’s always difficult with school and I know I’m a bit strange that I didn’t travel with my children when they were smaller but what was the point? They weren’t going to be able to appreciate the country and the schedules are so busy, we actually never get much time to see them, so why disrupt their lives for that?” It’s a very pragmatic approach and totally in keeping with Prince Edward’s head-down attitude to royal…

The line at the café is longer than usual and I’m already late. Again. But I can’t start the day without coffee so I join the queue and will it to move quickly, yawning as I give myself my usual reprimand – tonight I will go to bed early. Tonight I will get a good sleep. I order a latte and request sugar for extra energy because I haven’t eaten breakfast. Caffeine transfusion complete, I retire to my desk and tap morosely at my keyboard for half an hour until my brain joins the rest of me in the land of the living. If this morning routine sounds familiar, you might be among the 40 per cent of the adult population that identifies as a night owl. You prefer to…

Some people prefer not to even think about Christmas until the first of December. That’s mostly men who, let’s face it, rarely get too involved in making the festive season all fairy tale fabulous, memorable and bright. I love Christmas and to make sure I really enjoy it, I like to kick start my “to do” list early. This year, I’m determined not to overspend, over-schedule, overindulge or over-complicate the whole Christmas scenario (although I say this every year). First on the list is gift-giving. Growing families, pressure on budgets and the new trend for simplicity mean it might be time to negotiate the gift-buying rules. I’ve got in nice and early, letting everybody know the deal. Christmas 2019 is very definitely all about the children. I’m writing this at…

Pool party Relaxed summer holiday essentials to take you from beach to barbecue. Sun’s out ! Make the most of balmy days in brilliant spicy colours.…

Stick solution The creamy formula of Clarins Glow 2 Go 2-in-1 Stick Highlighter and Blush, $54, makes applying a touch of bronze or blush a breeze. DOUBLE DUTY Two innovative moisturisers, one jar. Ageing affects different areas of the face in different ways so Clinique’s Smart Clinical MD Multi-Dimensional Age Transformer Duo, $130, offers one cream to fight sag in areas that need lifting and firming, like the jawline and neck, and another to smooth and plump areas where volume is lacking and wrinkles are settling, like the eye area, smile lines and forehead. SMOOTH MOVES Upgrade your body kit with Dermalogica’s new smoothing Thermafoliant Body Scrub, $82, and nourishing Phyto Replenish Body Oil, $99. They join the brand’s gentle Conditioning Body Wash, $56, and Body Hydrating Cream, $60. A…

I finally respect and appreciate you and understand that, with or without you, I am still me. So, my friends, let’s do this thing. Let’s beat this bastard of a disease. Let’s get on with living, be up for the fight and be mindful of the still, the calm, the beauty… and the power of just facing every day with an open mind and a ready smile. Let’s go do crazy stuff together! - Jo Tonight Boobs, we are resting with our feet up. Feels good at seven-and-a-half months pregnant. I am looking forward to sustaining the new baby with you, original Boob. Pretend Boob can watch patiently from the sidelines. We’ll have to cut short our breastfeeding this time, to go back on the meds. But I’m cool with…

Q I am 68 and have just received good news from a complete physical check, with blood and urine tests. Why then am I starting to dribble out the left side of my mouth? C.G. This is a symptom you need to report to your GP as it suggests loss of control of the muscles around your mouth. It could be Bell’s palsy or a sign of a minor stroke or other neurological problem. Don’t ignore it. Q Are growing pains real? My daughter frequently says her legs are too tired to walk. S.B. Growing pains do occur in children who are growing, but the cause remains a mystery in many cases. Your daughter needs to have a medical check for her tired legs. Many children with leg pains have…

Braised artichokes SERVES 6 AS A SIDE OR ENTRÉE PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR 1½ cups (375ml) verjuice 6 large globe artichokes 2/3 cup (180ml) extra virgin olive oil 8 black peppercorns 3 fresh bay leaves 200g fresh ricotta ¼ cup flat leaf parsley 1 Place the verjuice in a glass or ceramic bowl. Trim the artichoke stems to approximately 3cm from the base and remove any tough outer leaves; peel stems. Cut in half lengthways and remove the hairy chokes from the centres. Place the artichokes in the verjuice to stop discolouration. 2 Drain the artichokes, reserving the verjuice, then pat them dry with kitchen paper. 3 In a large frying pan, heat 1/3 cup (80ml) of the olive oil over a medium heat. Add the artichokes cut…

Apricot swirl cheesecake SERVES 12 PREP + COOK TIME 2 HOURS 30 MINUTES (+ REFRIGERATION) 500g shortbread biscuits 250g butter, melted 750g cream cheese, softened 2 teaspoons finely grated orange rind 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind 1 cup (220g) caster sugar 3 eggs ¾ cup (180g) sour cream ¼ cup (60ml) lemon juice APRICOT TOPPING 1½ cups (360g) sour cream 2 tablespoons caster sugar 1/3 cup (80g) apricot jam 1 Process biscuits until fine crumbs; transfer to a large bowl. Add butter; stir through crumbs until evenly combined. Press biscuit mixture over base and side of a 24cm round springform pan. Place pan on an oven tray; refrigerate for 30 minutes. 2 Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). 3 Beat cream cheese, rinds and sugar in a medium bowl…

As the silly season fast approaches (I know, yikes!) having a decent stock of wine on hand becomes exponentially more useful. Technically, any collection of wine is a cellar, though the term tends to conjure up images of dusty underground rooms full of expensive, fine wines, stored in a precise manner until some distant time. It all seems very serious, not to mention time-consuming and costly. But a wine cellar doesn’t have to be this way. Yes, there may be serious and perhaps pricey bottles intended for long-term care, but mostly cellars function as a selection from which you can draw no matter what the occasion demands. That might be Friday night fizz to have with fish and chips, the perfect white for impromptu afternoons with friends, or good stocks…

It’s become a buzzword that real estate agents and interior designers are fond of, but the idea of an ‘outdoor room’ is one that makes sense. Why have lots of outdoor space if you’re not going to use it as regularly as your living room? An outdoor room is not just about entertaining, although for many this is highly desirable. Ideally, the backyard is a place where you can relax, play, entertain and even cook or work (if you put in an outdoor kitchen with a barbecue, and create a space to sit with your laptop and enjoy the sunshine if you work from home some of the time). The outdoor room should also enjoy generous views of the rest of your garden and preferably blend in harmoniously with it…

WHAT YOU NEED • Fabric squares and matching thread • Pinking shears or sharp scissors • Sewing machine • Mixing bowl and spoon • Uncooked rice • Dried lavender buds • Lavender essential oil • Paper to make a cone, or a funnel if you have one • Needle • Ribbon • Gift tags and stamps • Fresh lavender sprigs for finishing touches 1 Start by cutting out squares of fabric. Ours were 12.5cm x 12.5cm, a size that fits in the palm of your hand. Use pinking shears for edges that won’t fray (A). 2 Place two cut squares together, with their patterned sides together. 3 Sew all the way around the square 7mm in from the edge. Leave an opening 5cm wide (B). 4 Trim the corners so…

Whoever invented the pull-start motor should be shot. I’ve been saying this out loud a lot this month as I’ve been attempting to get my ancient rotary hoe and my almost-as-ancient quad bike going. For those who aren’t familiar with this ridiculous invention you pull a cord and that sends a bit of energy to the spark plug which then fires and starts the engine. Most lawnmowers have them. So far I calculate that I have pulled both quad and hoe at least 200 times with no joy and now my right bicep is noticeably bigger than the left. My father has been the recipient of quite a few lectures on the pull-start motor and how it must have been a man who invented such a stupid thing. And how…

Starring Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Kieran Culkin. I know my word is gospel and after raving about this show on these pages last year you will have binged Season 1 of Succession. I trust you’re already well embroiled in Season 2. This show just gets better! With an Emmy under his belt for the Season 1 finale, creator and writer Jesse Armstrong unleashes his characters entirely and by crikey they’re a vile bunch. Succession is the story of media mogul Logan Roy (Brian Cox) who spends his time tormenting his offspring and pitting them against each other as they vie for head of the table. Game of Thrones has nothing on this vicious battle for supremacy, set against the backdrop of America’s corporate media. A warning: it’s extremely addictive.…

Dry skin saviour Moisturising creams can evaporate quickly, with little benefit to skin. But our Bio-oil Dry Skin Gel is not a cream – and 83 per cent of those who tried it agreed the product absorbed quickly and easily. RRP from $18.99 for 100ml. To find out more visit bio-oil.com. A cracker range Arnott’s has expanded its popular Cracker Chips range with two new Vita-Weat varieties. Vita-Weat Cracker Chips contain wholegrain brown rice, corn and seeds with no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Arnott’s Cracker Chips are oven-roasted to perfection, and light and crispy, with an explosion of taste in every bite. Available in supermarkets nationwide. Share box (150g) RRP $3.99, multi-packs (seven packets) RRP $4.49. arnotts.com Entertaining made easy Red Rock Deli’s new Deluxe Crisps are available in…

Letter of the month I have watched Rachel Hunter’s career from the time she was a teenage Trumpet girl to her recent Tour of Beauty series, which I loved. She was so down-to-earth in the show, embracing all cultures, all ages, all sizes, and finding something beautiful in everyone she met. How proud her mother would be of her and the spiritual journey she has been on since her mum’s passing. We can all be very proud to call Rachel a Kiwi, one of us. I wish her all the very best for her 50th birthday. Lorraine Thompson TRULY TOUCHING One of the stories that tugged at my heart strings in your latest issue was Michelle Payne’s. I, like many, watched that special race and how at the end her…

Donning a baseball cap, summer sailing shorts and an irrepressible smile, her long hair pulled back in a ponytail, the Duchess of Cambridge took to the high seas in August competing against her husband Prince William and six celebrity charity ambassadors in an eight-yacht sailing regatta in historic royal hangout Cowes, on the Isle of Wight. The King’s Cup was first presented by King George V in 1920, and the sporty Cambridge duo revived the event to launch what they hope will become an annual fixture to help raise funds and awareness for their charities. As William and Catherine shift their royal work up a gear, there’s something rather timely about the second-in-line to the throne reinvigorating his great-great-grandfather’s race. The Duchess is known for her competitive spirit and, as…

Liza Minnelli wants to tell this story about her mother. It’s one she knows people don’t often hear about the legendary Judy Garland, but it’s so endearing and fabulously showbiz that all these years later, Liza still gets a kick out of recounting it. “I was five years old,” she begins, explaining it was 1951 and her mother was performing on Broadway. “I was standing in the wings, where they let me hold the water. It was the end of the show, Mama bowed dramatically and the curtain came down.” Liza says Judy then jokingly collapsed. “So I ran out and said, ‘Mama, are you all right?’ And she said, ‘What do you want, Chinese or Italian food [after the show]?’ And I said, ‘Oh, Italian.’ She said, ‘Good, get…

Lion Sharpest in the morning, lions are early risers who wake full of energy. They are optimistic go-getters who are often leaders, and have a get-it-done attitude. Analytical and organised, they avoid risks. Famous lions include: Maya Angelou and Benjamin Franklin. Dolphin Dolphins tend to wake up feeling groggy, but become sharper as the day progresses. They have productivity spurts throughout the day and are most alert at night. Intelligent perfectionists, they can be prone to anxiety. Famous dolphins include: Dickens, Shakespeare and Richard Branson. Bear Bears follow a normal day-night schedule, with sleeping patterns that follow the sun. Team players who are active during the day, they are playful and affectionate and enjoy close friendships within larger society. Famous bears include: Stephen King, George Orwell and Ellen DeGeneres. Wolf…

1 I HATE THE SMELL Self-tanners contain DHA, which has an unpleasant odour. These days companies try to mask the DHA smell with essential oils, but every self-tanner we’ve tried has some sort of DHA odour, so if you really can’t stand the smell, your best bet is a wash-off version. UK Brand Isle of Paradise has the least lingering scent we’ve tried. WE LIKE: Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops, $44. 2 I NEED TO GET RID OF PATCHY REMNANTS If you have stained areas or the colour is wearing off unevenly, apply a body oil and leave on for a few minutes before buffing gently with a face cloth. If you have larger areas or you want to remove your tan evenly before reapplying, try a tan eraser product…

• Nivea Sun Sensitive Protect SPF50, $13, rubs in easily and, if you’re heading overseas, it’s good to know its ingredients won’t damage coral reefs – an issue with some suncreens. • It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream SPF50, $70. Now more readily available here with the arrival of Sephora, this famous tinted product goes on more like a foundation but has a hefty dose of SPF and skincare ingredients. Perfect for city wear. • Coola Liplux SPF30 in Coral Reef, $32, is a pretty coral-pink lip balm with SPF to coat lips and defend against lip lines and dryness.…

How did you cope when you first retired? CYNDI: Once the novelty wore off I thought, “What am I going to do?” I hated it, I think I cried. I didn’t know what to do with myself. I went out for coffee every day and then I thought, “Well, wait on – I’m not working, there’s no money coming in. This isn’t a good habit to get into!” I’m aiming to go and work in a hospice shop. COLLEEN: It was like hitting a brick wall for me. I retired from nursing but then I went and sold clothes for two years. And that was just a piece of cake. But this is the time of your life where you get that chance to have some time – I loved…

“Higher risk KiwiSaver funds have higher average returns.” Ask someone which KiwiSaver fund they are in, and most will name their provider – a bank or other financial institution. But the provider doesn’t matter nearly as much as which type of fund you’re in. The choices, listed from low risk to higher risk, are: • A defensive fund that invests largely in bank deposits. • A conservative fund – mainly bank deposits and bonds. • A balanced fund – roughly half bonds and half shares. • A growth fund – mostly shares. • An aggressive fund – pretty much all shares, perhaps with a bit of commercial property. Which is best? That’s the decision faced by a 56-year-old teacher we’ll call Michelle. “Due to a marriage breakup, I am only…

Glazed pork with udon noodles SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 15 MINUTES ½ cup (125ml) malt vinegar 1 cup (220g) firmly packed brown sugar 2 teaspoons crushed garlic 1 fresh small red Thai (serrano) chilli, finely sliced 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 8 pork loin medallions (1kg) 270g packet udon noodles 250g packet colourful coleslaw mix ¼ cup (60ml) Asian-style salad dressing 1 cup (80g) snow pea tendrils 1 Combine the vinegar, sugar, garlic and chilli in a bowl. 2 Heat oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Cook pork for 2 minutes each side or until browned. 3 Pour over vinegar mixture, reduce heat; simmer, turning, for 6 minutes or until pork is cooked and glaze has thickened slightly. 4 Meanwhile, place noodles in a…

Chicken burger with avocado and bacon SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 40 MINUTES ¼ cup whole egg mayonnaise 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1½ teaspoons lemon juice 4 rashers bacon, rind and excess fat removed, each cut into thirds 2 teaspoons olive oil 4 wholegrain rolls, split 4 baby cos lettuce leaves 1 medium (250g) avocado, sliced thickly CHICKEN PATTIES ¾ cup (50g) fresh breadcrumbs 1 tablespoon milk 500g chicken mince 4 spring onions, sliced thinly 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley 2 drained anchovy fillets, chopped finely 1 CHICKEN PATTIES Place breadcrumbs in a medium bowl; pour the milk over. Add the mince, spring onions, parsley and anchovies. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands to mix until well combined. Divide…

BEST BURGER Favourite recipe from your new cookbook? Hmmm, I couldn’t pick just one. The kumara, chickpea and mushroom burgers are pretty awesome though and that’s why I chose them for the front cover. QUICK TIP What’s your best tip for creating a tasty vegetarian meal? Simple. Use the best produce you can get your hands on. That means picking and eating what’s in season, local and from growers who take great care of their produce. And don’t be fooled by looks – some of the ugliest produce is the best tasting.…

1 TE HANA GISBORNE RESERVE CUVÉE $16 Gold medallist and an absolute bargain - kick-start a festive cellar by snapping up a case or two. Fresh, with good depth of fruit and a lick of brioche-like complexity. 2 2017 CHURTON THE ABYSS MARLBOROUGH PINOT NOIR $75 Earth, spices and fruit, subtle, layered and smart, this is a wine to savour. Restrained, yet will unfurl gracefully over the next few years, if you can wait that long. 3 2018 TE MATA CAPE CREST HAWKE’S BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC $25 Most sauvignon is made in a ‘drink now’ style and while you certainly can enjoy this wine now, it will also repay a few years in the cellar. Rich, textural and long – think juicy limes in a sea breeze. 4 2017 MAHI…

“If it was my cottage,” I fantasised aloud, “I’d decamp here to grow herbs and heritage roses and fill the sheep field with daffodils.” I have been a mad-keen gardener for more than half my life. When I was a journalism student, instead of going out on pub crawls I spent my Friday nights at home watching Maggie’s Garden Show and tried to stretch my meagre student allowance to cover both instant pot noodles and potting mix. Back then, in the mid 1990s, cottage gardening was all the rage. Even posh gardens in well-to-do suburbs featured frothy borders of old-fashioned flowers such as love-in-the-mist, sweet William, scented geraniums, granny’s bonnets, lady’s mantle, hollyhocks and heartsease pansies. Verandahs dripped with waterfalls of wisteria and front paths were flanked with standard ‘Iceberg’…

The late, great UK travel writer AA Gill once said that India was such a polarising location to visit that it was best to lie and say you were going somewhere else, because people would immediately bombard you with warnings about all the bad things that would befall you: illness, scams, filth, rubbish, heat. And it’s not that those things don’t exist, but they exist alongside a whole bunch of magic as well. India is a lot to take in – it is the best and worst of humanity. It requires patience, generosity and a good sense of humour. If you can practise all three as best you can, you will be rewarded greatly by some of the most beautiful sights the world has to offer. Recently, The Australian Women’s…

The Auckland Aotea Centre’s ASB Theatre is to be renamed the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre in honour of one of the world’s greatest sopranos. A gala event will be held on November 20 to mark the renaming, and celebrate Dame Kiri’s career. It will feature some of her best-loved opera choruses and arias. To buy tickets go to ticketmaster.co.nz. Escape into a fairy tale with the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s season of Hansel and Gretel, based on the classic children’s story. The show will travel throughout the country to delight audiences of all ages. From November 6, for more information go to rnzb.org.nz.…

Lyrical fiction There Was Still Love by Favel Parrett , Hachette. Review by Juliet Rieden Two sisters are now grandmothers of two children living in different countries, Australia and the Czech Republic. And while history and circumstance has separated them, their bond is strong and their love runs poignantly deep. The story is set in 1980 but flits back in time as well and is told through the eyes of the children. There’s free-spirited Ludek who lives in Prague with his Babi (grandma) and loves to run around its cobbled streets shouting at the statues of the saints on Charles Bridge; and “Mala Liska” as she is called by her Czech grandpa, because of her red hair – it means little fox in Czech – who lives…

Scorpio OCT 24-NOV 22 Welcome to a lush birthday month in which Venus spices up the love front for long-time couples, while solo Scorpios will find no shortage of adventurous playmates. You’re on fire in more ways than several, though with Mercury in your sign serving up a side order of mischief, some incoming attention may be unwelcome. In which case don’t take the bait, but do make sure you’re legally protected and are extra attentive to any fine print. When Mars sizzles into Scorpio for the first time in two years on November 21, your aura’s almost tangible, and important talks or launches are set to go gangbusters. Sagittarius NOV 23-DEC 21 Sagittarians enjoy talking, so this month’s reticence might drive you wild – in your case not always…