Innholdsfortegnelse for Christmas 2019 i Australian Women’s Weekly NZ

Once upon a time my ideal Christmas tree would have been a lovely fresh pine decorated with delicate gold, silver and white decorations – all beautifully symmetrical and neat. Not a hint of gaudy green or red, or a piece of tinsel in sight. And no oversized ornaments that didn’t look perfect and pretty. What a difference a few years – and most importantly, children – can make. These days our tree is generally leaning to one side, under the weight of homemade decorations hung mostly on the side that the kids can easily get to. There is nothing delicate or especially pretty about these decorations – a large gold cardboard bell with glued macaroni pieces, made by our oldest son Harry during his first year at school; a gaily…

Letter of the month Thanks for your articles about the young royals. It’s really nice to see the Sussexes enjoying themselves as a family and spending time in Harry’s second home, Africa. It must be hard to be constantly in the spotlight but they are always so gracious. The article I most enjoyed reading was The Making of a Future Queen. Juliet Rieden did a wonderful job of showing Kate’s transformation. In her early days Kate often stood back and allowed William to take control, but now she is flourishing and the work that she is championing is really relatable for everyday people, particularly in the field of mental health. The Cambridges come across as an authentic, hard-working family who have struck the right balance of royal duties and family…

In Paul Simon’s classic 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover, he lists the many ways a girlfriend has left him. If you were to write an accompanying song to the New Zealand drama series The Brokenwood Mysteries, you could instead list the litany of ways unsuspecting villagers met their maker. Luckily for me, there is a Wikipedia entry that does just that, which I present to Tim Balme, the series’ writer and creator, during our interview. Found dead in a fermentation vat? “Yes, that’s right.” Rugby coach found dead, naked and tied to the goalposts? “Yes, I remember that one fondly.” Lord of the Rings tour guide poisoned by spider venom? “Shot by an arrow at the historical village. Murdered in a Santa costume…” The residents of Brokenwood have had…

As the relatively newly minted Duke and Duchess of Sussex fight for their right to privacy, Harry’s grandmother may well be steeling herself for another 10 episodes of The Crown. It would be at best flattering and at worst downright annoying to see your family’s life under the dramatic microscope, your most intimate and private moments fictionalised in a manner that makes them appear as fact. What the royals really think of the hit show, if indeed they watch it, is not known, but, suffice to say, the Palace hackles rose when the show’s creator, Peter Morgan, recently suggested in a UK newspaper interview that he met with royal representatives four times a year to discuss his drama’s content. The Queen’s communications secretary, Donal McCabe, promptly sent a letter to…

When the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall fly into Auckland this month, it will be their third joint visit to New Zealand, and for once they won’t be linking the trip with a visit to Australia. The royal couple is here at the invitation of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and, behind the scenes, the New Zealand Government has been beavering on arrangements for the tour with the royal couple’s team for months. With the Queen as our Head of State, visits from royals are a given, but the Duchess confesses she has developed a special affection for our shores. “I have the most wonderful memories of our trips to New Zealand. The welcome that my husband and I receive whenever we have the good fortune to visit…

“Come they told me Pa rum pum pum pum A newborn king to see Pa rum pum pum pum Our finest gifts we bring Pa rum pum pum pum,” To lay before the King Pa rum pum pum pum, Rum pum pum pum Rum pum pum pum.” The Little Drummer Boy creeps into your subconscious in early December. Then he makes himself a cup of tea and simply refuses to leave. I once hummed the song right through till the end of the following November when it was time to start again. I first heard all 14 verses on a hot afternoon years ago when Reagan, the eldest of our five children, was practising with 19 other five year olds for the annual Christmas concert at school. Miss Ellis pounded…

LEWIE WEARS: Pumpkin Patch T-shirt, $20 (0000-2).ezibuy.com Pants, $30 (0-3m to 18-24m).cottonon.com BROOKE WEARS: Cutwork dress, $200 (4-16).witchery.co.nz GUS WEARS: Resort shirt, $30 (2-10).cottonon.com Denim shorts, $40 (0-3m to 18-24m).countryroad.co.nz SAVANNA WEARS: Stripe midi dress, $100 (8-16).countryroad.co.nz TARYN WEARS: Amanda Tank dress, $579 (6-14).juliettehogan.com Cowrie earrings and necklace, $90 each and Alexandra flat, $160 (36-42). All from witchery.co.nz GUS WEARS: White shirt, $55 (2-10). countryroad.co.nz Shorts, $10 (1-6). postie.co.nz Milano sandal, $50 (26-34).birkenstock.co.nz MILA WEARS: Lola dress, $35 (2-10). cottonon.com Next jacket, $34 (3-13). ezibuy.com BROOKE WEARS: Frills and Chills top, $399 (XS-XXXL) and In your Jean jeans, $189 (6-18). Both from trelisecooper.com Arizona Birko-Flor sandals, $150 (35-46).birkenstock.co.nz MILA WEARS: Ruffle metallic shirt, $55 (2-10) and shorts, $50 (2-8). Both from countryroad.co.nz Shoes Mila’s own. TARYN WEARS: Gather sleeve top, $129 (XXS-XL).kowtowclothing.com Coop Spin Me Round skirt, $199 (XS-XXXL).trelisecooper.com Cindy…

Peaches & cream Peach and melon hues for cheeks and lips are increasingly trending on red carpets and runways. They’re ideal for those with fair complexions, though a pop of peach looks fresh and bright on deep skin tones too. Powder blush is the easiest approach for cheeks, start with a little and reassess before adding more. For lips, try a soft peach nude and, if you’re feeling a little more daring, a touch of metallic colour in the centre of your pout adds the star factor. Complement the look with a taupe brown eye shadow. If skin is eggshell smooth and matte, a touch of shimmer looks great; if dewy radiance is more your thing, try a matte eye shadow instead. For an easy smoky eye, run a brown…

1 HALT THE SALT Salt definitely increases blood pressure, so cardiologist Dr Shruit Kapila suggests removing salt shakers from the dinner table, instead using a splash of lemon juice or vinegar when cooking meat. “Dry herbs like oregano are best to add before cooking to infuse flavour, and basil and parsley after,” she says. Opt for low-salt foods with 120mg per 100g or less of sodium on the food nutrition label. “And remember [to be aware of] the “salty six” foods such as bread, pizza, sandwiches, cold cuts of meat, packaged soups and burritos and tacos,” says Dr Kapila. 2 WEIGH UP YOUR RISK While hundreds of studies have been carried out on the impact of salt on blood pressure, Dr Kapila says your individual genetic “weight sensitivity” can also…

Peas and beans with almonds SERVES 8 PREP AND COOK TIME 25 MINUTES 1½ cups (240g) fresh shelled peas (or frozen) 300g green beans, trimmed 300g sugar snap peas, trimmed 40g butter ⅓ cup (35g) slivered almonds 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 Boil or steam the peas and beans until almost tender. Add the sugar snap peas; cook for a further 30 seconds or until just tender. Drain well. 2 Melt butter in a large frying pan; cook nuts until browned. Remove nuts from pan with a slotted spoon. Add garlic then vegetables to pan; toss until combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 3 Serve vegetables topped with nuts. TEST KITCHEN TIP For a delicious spring variation, swap peas for lightly steamed asparagus spears in the vegetable side…

The basics – peeling and preparing Here we show how to prepare raw or cooked prawns for salads, platters or in cooked dishes. STEP 1 REMOVING HEADS Cut behind the head, or twist off head using your fingers, to remove it. You can keep the head to make stock; they will freeze for up to 2 months. STEP 2 PEEL AWAY THE SHELLS Use your fingers to peel the shell off, starting from where legs are attached. Leave the last segment of shell and tail for presentation, or remove if recipes specify. STEP 3 DEVEINING Make a small cut in the centre back of each prawn using the tip of a small sharp knife. Insert a skewer or toothpick through the skin and under the vein; lift this out in…

Easiest ever truffles MAKES ABOUT 80 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR (+ REFRIGERATION TIME) 395g can sweetened condensed milk 500g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped finely chocolate melts, approximately 300g each of white, milk and dark chocolate, melted in separate bowls melted chocolate, red, green and silver sugar pearls for decorating 1 Combine condensed milk and dark chocolate in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cook on high (100%) power for 3 minutes, stirring twice during cooking until melted; stir until smooth. Refrigerate, covered, for about 2 hours or until firm enough to roll. 2 Shape 1 teaspoon of chocolate mixture into balls; place on trays lined with baking paper. Refrigerate for 1 hour. 3 Dip truffles, one at a time, into melted chocolate; stand on trays until set. Decorate as…

New Zealand’s summer Christmas often seems a little out of sync with European traditions, which developed as a way of providing warmth and excess in the cold, dark, harsh midwinter days. Mulled wine is a staple, made from robust red wine simmered with spices, sugar and sometimes fruit to form a warming, fragrant brew. Styles range from honey and peppercorns in Hungary, to sozzled raisins, almonds and shots of port in Sweden. Germany goes one step further, setting a rum-drenched cone of sugar alight in a vat of glühwein. If this seems a bit much on a sunny, antipodean Christmas Day, you could always wait and bring out the port and mulled wine to celebrate the winter solstice and Matariki.…

NEW CHRISTMAS CHOCS Make December delicious by sharing a packet of Donovans chocolates. The Waikato brand has added two new flavours, Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bites and Dark Chocolate Almond and Orange Clusters, to its yummy Christmas range. Available from leading supermarkets, RRP $8.99. donovanschocolates.co.nz CLASSIC CAPPUCCINOS The new NESCAFÉ Gold café-inspired range is expertly crafted with care. It includes two classic cappuccino options – Cappuccino Original and Cappuccino Intense – and two sophisticated flavours – Crème Brûlée Latté and Roasted Hazelnut Mocha – to deliver an indulgent coffee with long-lasting silky froth, exceptional coffee richness and a creamy taste.…

Do we really need Christmas presents at our age? Is there anything we really want in our mid-50s? Should we just stop accepting presents and be done with it? These are questions I have been asking myself in the lead-up to Christmas, during a series of introspective sessions in the garden. When I garden, I do a lot of thinking, and the whole Christmas gifts question came up during a rather successful weeding session. Over the years I’ve received wonderful presents from my husband Paul – his first Christmas present to me 25 years ago was a pair of incredibly stylish and expensive high heels and a much-needed tool box. There have been perfumes, candles and jewellery too, but I have no use for these now. In the country, putting…

Flying with Qantas to Queensland is a great way to see everything this region has to offer. Not only does Qantas fly daily to Cairns via Sydney or Brisbane, you’ll also be eligible for a range of discounts with the Passenger Perks programme when you book a flight to Australia. Choose from 25 per cent off a Great Barrier Reef tour on the water or see it from above with 20 per cent off a scenic flight over the reef and surrounding islands. Or you could choose to explore on your own with a seven-day Avis car rental for the price of five days. Head to qantas.com to book or discover more Passenger Perks within Australia.…

Super-serum “Buffet”, by The Ordinary, is the perfect multi-technology serum to target multiple signs of visible ageing at one time. Like all products in The Ordinary line, “Buffet” is free from parabens and sulphates, and is never tested on animals. RRP $33.25, available at farmers.co.nz. Gentle botanicals Indulge your senses with the new luxurious blend of Palmolive Luminous Oils shower gel. This fragrant skincare formula is infused with botanical oil to gently, yet thoroughly cleanse, for soft, radiant and beautiful looking skin. Available in three fragrances – Macadamia Oil with Peony, Fig Oil with White Orchid, and Coconut Oil with Frangipani. At your nearest supermarket, RRP $6.39. palmolive.com.au Dry shampoo saviour A new era in dry shampoo begins here. This breakthrough formula is lightweight and invisible, with plumping collagen. Batiste…

GIVEAWAY The countdown to Christmas is upon us and Countdown has everything you need to inspire you this festive season, including recipes and specials. To take the stress out of the rush at the end of the year, shop online by visiting countdown.co.nz. To help make Christmas a little more special, we have teamed up with Countdown to give four lucky readers a $100 gift card. To enter the draw, email awweditor@bauermedia.co.nz, subject line “COUNTDOWN” or enter online at nowtolove/COUNTDOWN and use the code AWWCD12. Competition closes December 2, 2019. Terms and conditions apply. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/awwmagazine FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @awwmagazine…

Give your home the scent of Christmas with Living Light’s range of soy candles and room scents. This limited edition Christmas collection features two stunning fragrances: Noël – plump, ripe berries and citrus fruit with hints of spice, and Festive Pine – Fresh green pine, laced with exotic spices and amber. Both are available in large and mini 100 per cent soy candles, and brand new mini room sprays. A great gift for the person who has everything. Go to livinglight.co.nz for stockists. This month’s Letter of the Month winner will receive the entire Living Light Christmas range valued at $317. Writers of other published letters will receive an Australian Women’s Weekly cookbook.…

Aristocratic blood doesn’t come much bluer than Anne Glenconner’s. She was born Lady Anne Veronica Coke, eldest child of the 5th Earl of Leicester, her family established in Tudor times, and raised at Holkham Hall. This massive stately pile in the county of Norfolk is the fifth largest estate in England and just 10 miles from Sandringham, the royal family’s private home. Anne’s father was Equerry to the Duke of York – later King George VI – and her mother a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II. [Yes, archaic though it sounds, this is still a royal court title which these days denotes a high-ranking lady-in-waiting.] As a young girl, Anne’s playmates were Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret and as a teenager Prince Charles became “like a younger brother”,…

AUCKLAND • Their Royal Highnesses will receive an official welcome at Government House and meet with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. The Prince and The Duchess will then visit a number of community-based projects working to address social issues and create youth opportunity. • The Prince will focus on young people and youth opportunity, as well as environmental issues – with particular emphasis on tackling plastic waste. • The Duchess will continue her focus on key themes including domestic violence and literacy. BAY OF ISLANDS Their Royal Highnesses will travel to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to receive an official welcome and to honour the relationship between The Crown and the Māori people and visit local projects. CHRISTCHURCH In Christchurch Their Royal Highnesses will see firsthand the resilience and regeneration of the…

“I worry I would fritter away the money from the sale.” The last few words of a letter from a reader were the clincher. “Should I keep the rental until such a time as I need to sell it, or should I sell it now and give myself some peace of mind?” asked a woman we’ll call Rachel. “Two years ago,” she writes, “I left the city for the provinces, selling my house in Auckland and buying two houses in Napier – one to live in and one as a rental.” Rachel is continuing to do her part-time Auckland job remotely, and also does some consulting work for two other companies. So far, so good… But the rental property has a substantial mortgage on it. “It is rented for $400…

Blooms for Christmas Turn heads in this elegant silk wrap dress from Kate Sylvester. The perfect little number to take you from work drinks with friends to Christmas Day with family and on to the Boxing Day races. Rita dress, $579. katesylvester.com Gilt trip Statement shoes that will add Christmas glamour to any party outfit, but are comfortable enough to party for hours. Helen slide, $269. kathrynwilson.com Christmas is the perfect time to splurge on jewellery you’ll have for years to come. But be wary of buying pricey jewellery online from unknown suppliers - gem experts warn there are many fake stones around. If sustainability is your thing, how about a vintage piece? We love this 10 carat gold ring stack (above); pieces start at $399. michaelhill.co.nz…

‘I’ve regained my confidence – I’m proud to be a healthy role model for my daughter’ Before Domonique Zoll started her weight-loss journey, she rarely went out as she didn’t feel comfortable in anything she wore. The 26-year-old Auckland mother avoided facing the reality of her reflection and turned to food for comfort. Lack of energy was also a problem. “I couldn’t keep up with my daughter, which made me feel guilty and worse,” she explains. “My sadness was rubbing off on her and I knew she deserved better. I wanted her to be proud to call me mum.” Over the following eight months, three-year-old Ahavah saw a radical transformation in her mother. With the help of Optislim, Domonique lost 40kg. Great for those who are time-poor or struggle with…

Cranberry and orange panettone MAKES 2 PREP AND COOK TIME 2 HOURS (+ STANDING AND COOLING TIME) 1 cup (130g) dried cranberries ½ cup (125ml) fresh orange juice (see Test Kitchen tip) 3 cups (450g) bread flour, plus extra for dusting 3 teaspoons (10g) dried yeast 1¼ cups (310ml) warm milk 4 egg yolks ¾ cup (165g) caster sugar 2 tablespoons finely grated orange rind (see Test Kitchen tip) 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste 1 teaspoon coarse salt ½ teaspoon grated nutmeg 150g butter, chopped, at room temperature SUGAR CRUST 2 tablespoons egg whites, beaten lightly 2 tablespoons caster sugar 2 tablespoons natural almonds, halved lengthways 2 tablespoons crushed sugar lumps 1 Place cranberries and juice in a small bowl; cover. Stand until required. 2 Whisk 1½ cups of the…

Add panache to any seafood platter with simple sauces. Classic tartare MAKES ²/ ³ CUP PREP TIME 10 MINUTES Combine ½ cup whole-egg mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill pickles, 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill and 2 teaspoons chopped capers in a small bowl. Cocktail sauce MAKES 2 CUPS PREP TIME 10 MINUTES Combine 1 cup crème fraîche, ⅔ cup whole-egg mayonnaise, 1½ tablespoons tomato sauce, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon sweet paprika and ¼ teaspoon Tabasco in a small bowl; thin with a little cold water, if necessary. Cover and refrigerate until needed. Harissa aioli MAKES 1 CUP PREP TIME 5 MINUTES Stir 2 teaspoons harissa, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and 2 teaspoons lemon juice together in a small…

1 Peach sangria MAKES 1.75 LITRES (7 CUPS) PREP TIME 10 MINUTES (+ REFRIGERATION TIME) Combine a 750ml bottle chilled white or rosé wine, ¼ cup brandy and 2 tablespoons caster sugar in a large jug; stir until sugar dissolves. Add 2 medium (300g) peaches, cut into thin wedges. Cover; refrigerate for 1 hour. Add 2 cups chilled soda water (or lemonade for a sweeter drink) and fresh mint leaves. 2 Peppermint tea mojito MAKES ABOUT 1 LITRE (4 CUPS) PREP TIME 15 MINUTES (+ COOLING TIME) Place 4 peppermint tea bags and 1 cup boiling water in a heatproof jug; stir in ¹/3 cup caster sugar until dissolved. Stand for 10 minutes. Strain into a large serving jug; discard tea bags. Cool. Add 1 cup Bacardi, 2 sliced limes…

1 2017 THREE MINERS HERRINGBONE CENTRAL OTAGO RIESLING $23 A small producer from Alexandra with a smart range of wines. Lower alcohol (10.5 per cent), but not lacking in balance, personality or flavour (think Granny Smith apples, citrus and honeysuckle). 2 2016 JUDGE ROCK CENTRAL OTAGO PINOT NOIR $45 A wonderfully perfumed aromatic red with lots of bright cherries, raspberries, spice and lavender notes, it’s juicy, textural and well-balanced with fine, sappy tannins. There’s not much of it around, but it’s worth seeking out for a festive treat for the taste buds. 3 2019 COOPERS CREEK BELL RINGER GISBORNE ALBARIÑO $18 Albariño is a Spanish white variety finding a happy home in New Zealand. A fabulous match for seafood, this is crisp, crunchy and saline with aromas of ripe peach,…

25ml white rum 25ml homemade pineapple cordial (see below) 25ml homemade coconut concentrate (see below) 75ml SodaStream sparkling water 1 Add rum, pineapple cordial and coconut concentrate to a highball glass. 2 Add ice cubes, top with SodaStream sparkling water and stir. 3 Garnish with a juicy wedge of pineapple. PINEAPPLE CORDIAL 500ml strained pineapple juice 100g caster sugar 5g citric acid 2g malic acid 1 Strain the pineapple juice by letting it drip through a coffee filter. Add juice, caster sugar and both acid powders to a large jug and mix until the sugar has dissolved. 2 Store in the fridge for up to three weeks. COCONUT CONCENTRATE 400ml coconut water 200g caster sugar 1 Add caster sugar and coconut water to a large jug and mix until the…

“Seeds symbolise birth, joy, hope, promise and glad tidings.” On the first day of Christmas, if my true love actually did send me a partridge in a pear tree, my response would be “is it a Doyenne du Comice or a Packham’s Triumph?” (I’d be less interested in the bird, for my garden is already overrun with free-range chooks, wild pheasants, pesky pu- keko, cute quail and nine delightfully fluffy Cayuga ducklings currently housed in a hawk-proof hutch on the lawn.) Unlike husbands and fathers-in-law, gardeners are generally easy to buy for at Christmas. We’re grateful for anything that we can wrap our green fingers around, be it a new fruit tree for the orchard, a rose bush, a collection of potted herbs for the kitchen, a sharp spade or…

I’ve always had a rather clichéd impression of Texas – all dust and desert, spurs and sheriffs, hamburgers and “howdy partners”. But those stereotypical wild west vibes were put aside on my tour of the Lone Star State; instead I discovered a rich cultural history, lush, vibrant landscapes, and a cocktail and culinary scene that nearly had me requiring two seats for the flight home. This indulgence was certainly one of the many unexpected upsides of the Texan experience and I’m proud to say I embraced my inner glutton on a whole new level, feasting on Austin’s hot, velvety brisket, San Antonio’s Instagrammable tequila croissants and making the most of Houston’s hidden tiki bars and tacos. With an explosion of culture and cuisine found on almost every corner, there’s no…

Eco-resorts appeal to the environmentally conscious traveller, but often cost a bomb. Here are three that offer sustainable luxury without the hefty bill. Set in 20ha of regenerating native rainforest near Abel Tasman National Park in Nelson, The Resurgence offers hiking, biking and farm-to-table dining.resurgence.co.nz Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, on the southern Great Barrier Reef, will be 100 per cent sustainable by 2020. Brilliant snorkelling and diving, glass-bottom boat and kayak excursions.ladyelliot.com.au In the heart of the World Heritage-listed rainforest, you’ll find Queensland’s Daintree Ecolodge, with 15 luxurious tree houses set right in the forest canopy.daintree-ecolodge.com.au…

Written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge Starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Sian Clifford, Olivia Colman and Andrew Scott The fact it took me this long to embrace Fleabag in all her seari ng, hilarious glory is a crime against television, and it’s hard to fully express how deeply sorry I am. To make it up to you, know this. I loved both these six-episode seasons so much I re-watched them almost immediately, loving them and her all the more. Watching Fleabag navigate her life, her lusts, her guilt and her grief, conspiratorially nudging, winking and guiding us as she smashes through the “fourth wall” (talking straight at you, the viewer) is nothing short of storytelling genius. Don’t waste another second, please binge Fleabag.…

Get ready for Christmas! THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR’S CHRISTMAS EVE by Eric Carle, Penguin Rhymes with flaps. “The moon shines bright, who’s at home on Christmas night?” Mouse! “The Christmas tree glimmers with light, who’s bringing gifts this night?” Santa! RUNNING WITH THE HORSES by Alison Lester, Penguin Join motherless Nina and her flying plaits as she and Dad escape war. They ride horses from the Royal Academy to find safety with Granny and Grandpa. MERMAID HOLIDAYS (THE MAGIC PEARL AND THE BAKE-OFF) by Delphine Davis and Adele K. Thomas, Penguin Two new books about Willow, Sophia, Chloe and Olivia, who get together every holiday for slumber parties at home in Turtleville. YOU CAN CHANGE THE WORLD by Lucy Bell, Pantera Press A practical but fun-filled guide tells you top…

Sagittarius NOV 23-DEC 21 This year’s bountiful birthday news? Generous Jupiter is exiting its residency in Sagittarius to spend the next 13 months buffing up your assets and finances. World circumstances notwithstanding, this could be your most prosperous period in a decade as you appreciate abundance in all its forms, including the wealth of loved ones, community and the riches you have to give. With expressive Mercury in Sagittarius, plus pre-Christmas Venus pumping up your powers of persuasion, you’ll be one of the jolly holly season’s most engaging entertainers. And when the late month new moon ignites your money mojo, the fireworks will continue all through New Year. Capricorn DEC 22-JAN 20 It’s all happening for you Saturnians this month as Jupiter, the planetary Father Christmas, returns to your sign…

MICHELE CRAWSHAW EDITOR Every Christmas Eve my parents come to stay the night with us, so that they can wake up with our boys and watch their excitement in the morning. Christmas may be all about the young ones, but for me it’s about the joy my mum and dad get from it too. EMMA CLIFTON DEPUTY EDITOR Every year is so different. Christmas remains one of the only constants in life and that’s something to celebrate. It’s a time of year when I think: “What would Nigella do?” and then go with that. More fairy lights, more baking, more carols. BRONWYN MACKENZIE ART DIRECTOR I love my family getting together on Christmas Day – we range from my 88-year-old aunt, who for nine months of the year swims daily…

THE DUKE AND DUCHESS of Cambridge have taken a while to grow into their roles, but on an extraordinary five-day tour of Pakistan the couple gave us a glimpse of the sort of King and Queen they are likely to be. The duo, who were envoys for the British government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office, not only wowed Pakistan, they proved their worth in the tricky world of soft diplomacy, while also managing to shine a light on their own passion projects. Add to this a visually mesmerising backdrop, taking in some of the nation’s most jaw-dropping geography, and a wardrobe of colourful, elegant and culturally appropriate royal outfits, and it’s no wonder coverage of the tour filled newspaper front pages around the world. At one point William threatened to upstage…

When Julie Andrews received her damehood from the Queen in 2000, it felt incredibly apt. Prim, posh perfection is the pervasive image of the British-born star of stage and screen. Of course, she must be a dame! And yet behind the polish and the innocent magic of her most famous roles – Mary Poppins and novice nun turned incomparable stepmum Maria von Trapp – is a personal life filled with struggle and fortitude, failure and passion, and plenty of heartache. Julie was raised “on the other side of the tracks” by an alcoholic and abusive stepfather and a mum who also descended into alcoholism. Her childhood was poor and troubled, and it was young Julie’s unique talent that became the much-needed meal ticket for the whole family. After her exceptional…

The sun is setting and New York City’s buildings and pavements are exhaling the heat from a record-breaking autumn day. It’s 6.30pm and Gloria Steinem has thrown open the windows hoping for an evening breeze. Gloria has lived in this leafy Upper East Side street since 1968, when her apartment was rent-controlled and just a single storey with a couple of crowded rooms. It’s expanded over the years. She bought first one apartment, then another, and connected them with a staircase. Today, her “nest” is scattered, as her friend the young actress Emma Watson says, “with sacred objects, talismans, photographs, books,” a Tibetan thangka painting, a vase of flowers, richly coloured weavings and rugs. She has made a home. When she was younger there would have been a half-packed suitcase…

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.…

Q The festive season is upon us and, yet again, I’m worrying about what I will wear. Is there a way I can find a staple look that can be easily changed up between events? What would you recommend? A The festive season can create fashion drama if we allow it to happen. Remember, investing in quality is better than quantity (especially if you buy on sale). So, depending on what you feel most comfortable in, whether it be a dress, skirt, pants or jacket, you can find the right piece and change up your jewellery, shoes and bag for alternative looks. Simply changing the colour of your accessories can give you a whole new look. Observe how your attitude changes when wearing different colours. Small tweaks can make a…

Light skin The perfect nude for light skin is a balanced mix of beige and peach or pink, as on Naomi Watts. Try MAC Versicolour Stain in Long Live the Night, $58. Olive skin Warm peach or muted coral nudes enhance olive skin tones beautifully, as seen on Sofia Vergara. Try In Love with Olivia Lipstick, $65, from charlottetilbury.com. Deep skin The richest skin tones deserve the richest of nude, so consider those that have a hint of berry or mauve. Lupita Nyong’o’s berry nude gives her lips definition and brightens her complexion. Try Bobbi Brown Art Stick in Rose Brown, $54. Fair skin If you’re fair like Nicole Kidman, nudes with a hint of pink will add warmth to your complexion. Try L’Oréal Color Riche Lipstick in Rose Tendre,…

Q What are your recommendations regarding menopausal weight-gain and how to lose this? I watch my portion sizes, eat healthily and exercise. It’s all too confusing and I would appreciate your help. K.N. Metabolic rate can slow after menopause because of reduced oestrogen levels, so your food/energy intake may need to be reduced. Check with your GP that there’s no other underlying cause for weight gain, such as an underactive thyroid. Q I’ve always been prone to bags under my eyes. Lately I’ve noticed they’re often very puffy in the morning and they stay that way most of the day. What can I do to avoid baggy eyes setting in for good? L.D. Bags under the eyes can happen with age as tissues become more lax. It can also result…

Salmon gravlax platter SERVES 10 PREP AND COOK TIME 45 MINUTES (+ REFRIGERATION TIME) 750g centre-cut piece salmon fillet, skin on ¾ cup (225g) rock salt ¾ cup (165g) white (granulated) sugar ½ cup coarsely chopped fresh dill 2 teaspoons finely grated lime rind 1 teaspoon crushed peppercorns 1 (700g) large loaf dark rye bread ½ cup (90g) cornichons 250g baby cucumbers, sliced thinly lengthways 10 radishes (110g), sliced thinly 1 small (100g) red onion, sliced thinly ½ cup loosely packed fresh dill sprigs, extra ¾ cup (180g) crème fraîche 1 Run your fingers along the length of the salmon to find where the fine pin bones are located. Place two fingers either side of a bone – this will keep the flesh taught and less likely to rip –…

Cola buffalo wings SERVES 8 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR 2½ cups (625ml) cola ¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce ¼ cup (60ml) Shao Xing wine ¼ cup (55g) brown sugar 2 tablespoons finely grated ginger ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil 2kg chicken wing nibbles 4 Lebanese (520g) cucumbers, quartered lengthways 2 (20g) spring onions, sliced finely 1 Combine cola, soy sauce, Shao Xing wine, brown sugar and ginger in saucepan; bring to the boil. Reduce heat and cook over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes or until reduced by a third. 2 Heat a large non-stick frying pan over high heat. Rub the oil over chicken wings and cook until golden brown. Depending on the size of your pan you may need to do this in batches. 3 Return…

Ican’t be alone in being astounded by the fact that here we all are, contemplating Christmas once again. I’m equally sure I don’t need to tell you that a little planning and forethought makes life a lot easier at this time of year. Thinking ahead to the demands of the festive season will help you sort out your wine needs and take advantage of the good deals that always appear in the lead-up to the big day. I always start by thinking through my Christmas Day schedule. This puts me in the mood, and also ensures I haven’t forgotten anything on the one day of the year when it would be the most annoying and inconvenient to have missed something. I cover off who’s coming, what we are going to…

Village vignette Adorn a mantelpiece or table with ceramic tealight houses and churches, $14-$89, from French Country Collections. Add a wreath and candles for an enchanting country village feel. frenchcountrystore.co.nz Snuggle up Cushions spice up an outdoor entertaining area, and guests will thank you for ramping up the comfort quotient. Keep a luxurious throw on hand to wrap up warm on cooler evenings. Handy hold-alls These cute little woven baskets are perfect to fill with goodies at Christmas – and afterwards they’ll double as handy storage at home. Clear winner Glassware’s a gift that’s always appreciated. Look for coloured sets that add pizzazz to summer party décor. Lay it on Create a welcoming Christmas table with plates in playful patterns and rich colours. Why not add a little gift to…

To make my Christmas Advent calendars, I started with fancy envelopes (162mm x 114mm red string and washer gusset envelopes, and butterfly-backed 82mm x 113mm white envelopes) from envelope.co.nz. Scour op shops for old gardening books to snip up for découpage decorations. I salvaged the illustrations and text from a water-stained copy of Pot-pourri Making by Margaret Roberts, which cost me $1 at the Tairua St Francis Op Shop. I used a selection of stamps from Stampin’ Up (click on the “find a demonstrator” link at stampinup.com for your local distributor) to add numbers, dates and botanical imagery to the envelopes. For the calendar backdrop, paint a plain board with green chalkboard paint and decorate with a chalk pen, or use a plain white office noticeboard. I used velcro adhesive…

More than a decade after his “retirement tour” Australian star John Farnham’s voice has been described as “still staggeringly spectacular” and Kiwi fans will get the chance to hear it at Auckland’s Villa Maria Winery and Wellington’s Michael Fowler Centre. To buy tickets, go to ticketmaster.co.nz. Frances Hodgkins Aucklanders flocked to the European Journeys exhibition, and now it’s in Dunedin, tracing Hodgkins’ travels and examining the influence of location on her development as a painter. Until January 26, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, dunedin.art.museum.…

Young adults (12+) Tale of wonder THE SURPRISING POWER OF A GOOD DUMPLING by Wai Chim, Allen & Unwin Anna Chiu is not part of the “Shore Lakes High Asians”, high achievers with tiger mums and designer gear who score 99.99 in every exam. She leaves school to bus home to take care of her younger siblings and help Baba in his restaurant, while her depressed mother weeps in bed. A heartfelt tale of migrant life in Sydney. THE STARS BELOW by David Baldacci, Pan Macmillan Crime writer Baldacci’s first foray into youth fantasy knocked everyone’s socks off. In the fourth and final in the Vega Jane series, our war-weary heroine and her ragtag warriors must take a stand against fully trained soldiers. “I did not like killing others. But…