Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2019 i Australian Women’s Weekly NZ

At about this time every year, Facebook reminds me of one of my favourite-ever posts. It’s of my oldest son, Harry, then aged five, standing on our coffee table (which has served as a very good stage for both our kids over the years), wearing pirate pyjamas and getting ready for bed. He’s in the festive spirit after helping to put up our Christmas tree earlier that day and, before he heads for bed, he decides to do an impromptu dance. Cue his (slightly inappropriate) version of Jingle Bells and a dance routine that nine years later still makes me laugh till I cry. There’s a lot of spinning involved, some stomping, a lot of finger-point dancing, some jazz hands and a whole lot of blond hair being shaken about.…

A beautiful smile starts with healthy teeth. 360PRO is a range of cutting-edge dental products, designed by New Zealand dental experts, that you can use at home for a professional clean. This stylish range is designed to help you whiten, brighten and polish. This month’s Letter of the Month winner will receive a 360PRO cordless Waterflosser, $129, and a 360PRO Sonic Toothbrush, $159, with five cleaning modes. my360pro.co.nz Writers of other published letters will receive an Australian Women’s Weekly cookbook.…

“Every moment is precious” A golden sun sets behind thunderheads and rolling hills. To the east, a double rainbow arcs across a darkening sky. It feels like a blessing. Rainbows are special talismans for Olivia Newton-John. They’ve lit up significant moments of her life and offered her hope. “Rainbows are special to me,” she says simply, stopping to look up, acknowledge the beauty in the sky and snap a picture on her phone. This is an extraordinary time in Olivia’s life. Last night, she celebrated her 70th birthday. Some of the people she holds dearest partied on the patio and by the pool at friend Gregg Cave’s house, nestled in farmland and forest just west of Byron Bay and across the valley from the Gaia Retreat & Spa, which he,…

Prince Harry has always worn his heart on his sleeve and currently that heart is hurting. His wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is finding life in the spotlight uncomfortable at best and unbearable at worst. Her torment behind Palace doors is reminding him of the battles faced by his own mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, he says. “I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces.” For Harry and Meghan, the media are at fault, specifically the British tabloids, which Harry claims are “destroying lives” with their “bullying”. In today’s digital age these “derogatory” fabricated stories, says Harry, are then repeated on clickbait websites and media platforms around the globe (including in Australasia). “No longer tomorrow’s chip paper” but a snake that…

The new traditionalist 1. Waterman Expert 3 rollerball pen, $200.whitcoulls.co.nz 2. Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede candle, $68. farmers.co.nz 3. Pandora square sparkle hoop earrings, $119. 4. Marc Jacobs Daisy EDT 50ml, $79. 5. Maxwell and Williams Contessa Rose cup and saucer, $25. briscoes.co.nz 6. Slip silk sleep mask, $65. sephora.nz 7. Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, $599. 8. Thick as Thieves satchel, $289. 9. Sun Buddies Akira sunglasses, $279.superette.co.nz 10. Sony XB12 Extra Bass portable bluetooth speaker, $99. 11. Veja V-10 sneakers, $207. theiconic.co.nz 12. Panasonic Lumix GX850 camera, $689. 13. Pickering’s gin baubles (set of 6) $60, finewinedelivery.co.nz 14. Maison Margiela Jazz Club EDT, $187. meccabeauty.co.nz 15. Leif Desert Lime body cleanser 500ml, $49. superette.co.nz 16. De’Longhi La Specialista coffee machine, $849. 17. Archer & Olive vintage bee journal, $55. journaljunkies.co.nz The foodie 1. Kenwood Mixer Chef…

QI am going to a formal summer wedding but I’m not sure what to wear. My priority is comfort, as there is going to be a lot of standing around and we will also be outside a lot of the day. Can you recommend how to look fancy but still comfortable? A Not many things are deemed to be “formal” these days, so having the opportunity to dress up and have a great time with family and friends is fabulous. If the invitation says “formal”, you should consider wearing a long evening dress, a dressy suit or a formal cocktail-length dress. You can pair your outfit with a comfortable shoe (as they probably won’t be seen as much if your dress is long), as well as a light summer jacket…

SUPER-SERUM Keep skin looking plump, radiant and healthy through the summer months by keeping it well hydrated. Avène uses ingredients that maintain collagen and bolster the skin’s structure, plus a decent dose of hyaluronic acid, the “moisture magnet” molecule, in its PhysioLift Serum, $70. Apply after cleansing, before moisturiser. Think pink Rosy pigments have a brilliant ability to combat darkness and reflect the light, which is why we’re taken with this new skincare release, which combines an instant brightening effect with ingredients that, with on-going use, work on shadowy areas under the eyes. L’Oréal Paris Golden Age Rosy Eye Cream, $40. Art’s desire When beloved multi-use Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream gets a jazzy new outfit, it’s time to stock up. This season, Italian illustrator Olimpia Zagnoli created…

“People often say it feels great to get rid of debt.” hich is better – boosting your savings or paying down the mortgage faster than you have to? It depends. If we look at just the numbers, the comparison goes like this: • How much interest are you paying on your mortgage? • How much can you earn on your savings – after fees and taxes? Go with whichever is higher. Avoiding paying interest is as good as earning interest. There are a few complications, though. If your savings are in bank term deposits, you’ll know the interest rate. It will usually be lower than your mortgage interest rate, so it’s better to put your extra savings into mortgage reduction. BUT WHAT IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOUR RETURN WILL…

Pumpkin and asparagus with buttermilk dressing SERVES 6 PREP AND COOK TIME 45 MINUTES 1.2kg pumpkin ¼ cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil 340g asparagus, halved 1 medium lemon (140g) 50g cream cheese 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives ¼ cup (40g) pecans, roasted, chopped coarsely coriander or micro herbs, optional, to serve BUTTERMILK DRESSING 1 fresh long red chilli, seeded, chopped finely, optional ⅓ cup (80ml) buttermilk 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon honey ½ teaspoon finely grated lemon rind 1 Preheat oven to 220°C (200°C fan-forced). Line three large oven trays with baking paper. 2 Leaving skin intact, cut pumpkin into thin wedges. Place on trays. Brush with 2 tablespoon of oil; season. Roast for 20 minutes or until tender. 3 Toss asparagus with remaining oil; season. Place on…

Easy Christmas cake You’ll have fun decorating this not-so-rich Christmas cake, which can be made with one day’s notice! This recipe will keep traditionalists and fruit mince enthusiasts happy. SERVES 12 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES 3½ cups (525g) self-raising flour 1½ cups (375g) firmly packed brown sugar 1 tablespoon mixed spice 1 tablespoon ground ginger 375g unsalted butter, chopped 6 eggs, lightly beaten finely grated rind and juice of 2 oranges 200g sour cream 410g fruit mince store-bought mini gingerbread men and Christmas tree decorations, to serve BRANDY BUTTER CREAM 375g unsalted butter, softened 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste 4½ cups (720g) pure icing sugar, sifted ½ cup (125ml) brandy 1 Preheat oven to 170ºC (150ºC fan-forced). Grease and line the base and sides of 3…

Festive flatbread Save money and make your own flatbread this festive season for a cheese plate with extra panache. Dissolve 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons yeast and 2 cups of warm water in a large bowl. Mix in 5 cups (750g) of flour and knead for 5 minutes on a floured bench. Let dough rise, loosely covered in an oiled bowl, for about an hour or until doubled in size. Roll out 50g portions of dough about 2mm thick then place on lined oven trays. Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with salt flakes and bake in a 180°C fan-forced oven for about 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. GIVEAWAY The new Russell Hobbs Air Fry Crisp ’N Bake Toaster Oven has Air Fry Technology which uses high intensity hot air…

Sparkling wine’s bubbles are dissolved CO2 held under pressure. When the bottle is opened this is released and the wine fizzes. There are different ways of trapping the gas in the wine. It's a complex topic, but basically, there are three methods. The most highly regarded – méthode traditionnelle – is when the base wine undergoes a second fermentation within the same bottle, as this ensures the finest "bead" (the bubbles), and the most complexity. Secondary fermentation can also take place in a large tank (the wine is later transferred to bottles under pressure) or CO2 can simply be squirted in before the bottles are sealed. However, tank method wines tend to be simpler and a bit fruitier, and with carbonated fizz the large bubbles dissipate very quickly.…

• There are two ways to approach solid wood furniture restoration: either strip the wood back to its natural state, or upcycle it in the shabby-chic style with chalk or milk paints and antique waxes. • To remove oil paints, stains and varnish, I use a combination of Dad’s Easy Spray paint stripper and natural Citristrip gel. Be aware that both products will burn the skin, so always wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt when applying and removing. • When the paint stripper starts to bubble (15-30 minutes), use a scraper to scrape the wood clean, or scrub it with steel wool or a steel brush, working in the direction of the wood grain. Apply a second coat if required. • To maintain the natural colour of oak, sand the…

SAVOUR SUMMER Kick-start the summer in delicious style with the South Island Wine & Food Festival at Christchurch’s Hagley Park on Saturday December 7. Over 40 wineries from across the South Island will serve their wines, with top local chefs plating up dishes to match. Check out cooking demonstrations from well-known chefs, wine seminars or a session on creating an arty platter. Sample local artisan food while being entertained by leading Kiwi musicians. For more information, go to winefestival.co.nz True glitz The dazzling queen of burlesque, Dita Von Teese, is touring New Zealand with her all-new revue, Glamonatrix. Expect glittering costumes, comedy and a sophisticated take on striptease. Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, December 12-18. For tickets, go to ticketmaster.co.nz The Wind in the Willows, at Christchurch’s Court Theatre, sees Badger, Ratty,…

GOOD GIRL BAD GIRL BY MICHAEL ROBOTHAM, HACHETTE A haunting psychological thriller about two cases investigated by forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven. One a murder, the other involving a vulnerable 15-year-old’s release from a children’s home. THE WEEKEND BY CHARLOTTE WOOD, ALLEN & UNWIN Jude, Wendy, Adele and Sylvie are in their 70s and have been friends for decades. When Sylvie dies, the others meet over a Christmas weekend to clean out her house. Funny and poignant all at once. ME BY ELTON JOHN, PAN MACMILLAN In his first and only official autobiography, music icon Sir Elton John reveals the truth about his crazy life, which is also the subject of the hit movie Rocketman. This really is Elton uncut, the story of a shy boy who spun out of control…

The living person I most admire is… My mother. She is such a kind and caring person. I really am the luckiest lady to have a mum like her. The best gift I ever gave was… I surprised my mum by flying home for Christmas when she didn’t think I was going to make it. She cried and it was totally worth it. She is the BEST. The last time I cried laughing was… I got an order of books from fishpond.co.nz. My mum thought the package contained real fish and put it in the fridge. It was days before I found my books in the fridge drawer with the fruit and veges.…

Give back together While most children look forward to a rest during the school holidays, a group of Kiwi youngsters is lending a helping hand. NZ Red Cross’s Young Humanitarians programme aims to teach nine to 13-year-olds about the importance of helping their community. The youngsters learn about disaster welfare, meet former refugees now living in New Zealand and learn first aid, as well as helping to distribute much-needed meals to the elderly. Invercargill siblings Alex, Briana and Ryan Sansom are shining examples of how people of all ages can spread the spirit of Christmas. Volunteering for Young Humanitarians during the recent school holidays, one of their favourite jobs was Meals On Wheels. “Meals on Wheels is giving food to the elderly who need help. Some of them were a…

During my 25 years of working with the Queen, many events and engagements have taken place. Her Majesty travels to and from Buckingham Place, Windsor Castle, Sandringham House, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Balmoral Castle, and spends numerous private weekends away too. The Queen and I have fun and laughter. Many years ago, Her Majesty disclosed something to me – a secret wish that she’d held since she was young. Throughout the Queen’s time on the throne, she has been photographed in countless formal ways. However, for a long time, Her Majesty wanted to be photographed more informally and have the freedom, for example, to pose with her hands in her pockets. The Queen Mother and her advisors had always counselled against this. Some years later, I wondered if I…

Not many people have a full-sized moa skeleton in the front room, but then Christine Fernyhough is not most people. Her home is full of surprises. There she stands, a female stout-legged moa, smaller than the giant fortunately, in a big glass enclosure at one end of Christine’s vibrant turquoise-coloured Parnell living room. Christine is a collector. For more than three decades she has been haunting second-hand shops and auction houses the length of the country in an effort to preserve what she sees as a golden era in New Zealand. The 1950s and 1960s were a time when New Zealand came into its own. A simple, uncomplicated time when we made things ourselves, before manufacturing was outsourced to China. Her collection includes furniture, toys, Crown Lynn china and a…

Christmas is always great fun and I love being part of The Australian Women’s Weekly’s Christmas issues. They pull out all the stops and make the season sparkle with lots of impressive food and festive ideas. While Christmas is a magical time of year, try to remember you’re not fully responsible for making everything perfect for everybody. When you feel your goodwill to all men (let alone women and children) rapidly running dry, the trick is to refocus so you don’t become overwhelmed. If your perfectionist tendencies have led you to take on the lion’s share of the work, and Christmas has become a one-woman show in your household, try to accept that a few flaws at Christmas are perfectly okay. Who cares if the flaming pud sets fire to the…

The CLASSIC WHITE A crisp white shirt and softly textured cotton skirt are warmed up beautifully with rich terracotta touches. Sleeveless button-through shirt, $140 (4-16). witchery.co.nz Karan skirt, $250 (6-14).marle.co.nz Micro acorn and leaf studs, $279. karenwalker.com Beaded handle bag, $55. seedheritage.com/nz Fanta espadrille, $260 (36-41). mipiaci.co.nz The FLOATY DRESS What could be more feminine than a long, floaty dress? This floral number has a shirred bodice and waterfall hemline. Mia shirred dress, $190 (6-18).maxshop.com Quinn hair slide, $55 (for 2). witchery.co.nz Katie Pod bag, $70.theiconic.co.nz Strappy leather heeled sandal, $99 (35-42). zara.com The MAXI SKIRT You’ll be ready to party in an elegant draped skirt, glam silk top and festive earrings that say “the fun starts here.” Rachel Mills wrap blouse, $399 (8-14).rachelmills.co.nz Loren linen maxi skirt, $400 (8-16). shenclothing.com Red star…

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.…

Traditional roast turkey SERVES 8 PREP AND COOK TIME 3 HOURS 15 MINUTES (+ STANDING TIME) 4.8kg turkey 75g butter, melted ¼ cup fresh thyme sprigs 1.5 litres (6 cups) salt-reduced chicken stock, approximately ⅓ cup (50g) plain flour HERB AND CHRISTMAS SPICE STUFFING 100g butter, chopped 2 onions (300g), chopped finely 1 trimmed celery stalk (100g), chopped finely ¼ cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary 3 cups (200g) fresh breadcrumbs ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). 2 HERB AND CHRISTMAS SPICE STUFFING Melt butter in a frying pan over medium heat; cook onion, celery and herbs, stirring, for 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl; add breadcrumbs and spices. Season with salt and pepper.…

Rudolph brookies MAKES 25 PREP AND COOK TIME 40 MINUTES 200g dark 70% cocoa chocolate, chopped finely 50g butter, chopped 2½ cups (400g) icing sugar 2 egg whites 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ⅓ cup (50g) plain flour ½ teaspoon baking powder 25 (60g) Jaffas 20g dark chocolate, extra ROYAL ICING 1 egg white 1½ cups (240g) icing sugar, sifted ½ teaspoon lemon juice 1 Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Line baking trays with baking paper. 2 Place chocolate and butter in a medium heatproof bowl over gently simmering water. Heat, stirring occasionally, until melted; cool. 3 Beat sugar, egg whites, egg and vanilla in a medium bowl with electric mixer until pale. Add chocolate mixture, flour and baking powder and fold to combine well. Refrigerate for 1…

CHOC DROP COOKIES Recipe by Bluebells Cakery 120g unsalted butter 200g soft brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 free-range egg 210g plain flour ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 250g Donovans Chocolate Drops, a mix of white, milk and dark Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-bake). Line two baking trays with baking paper. Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add the vanilla and egg and beat again until combined. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt over the mixture and beat again until everything comes together. Lastly, fold through the Donovans Chocolate Drops. Break off golf ball sized pieces. Roll them between your hands and place on the baking tray at least 10cm apart. Press down flat with the back of a fork. Bake…

1 2017 ALPHA DOMUS CUMULUS HAWKE’S BAY BLANC DE BLANC, $28 Only the fifth release, and this one happily coincides with Alpha Domus’s 30th birthday. Made using only chardonnay, this has lovely green apple and white peach fruit, plus subtle biscuitty notes. 2 CHAMPAGNE POL ROGER BRUT RESERVE NV (NON-VINTAGE), $70 The quintessential champagne house, with a great history (it was Winston Churchill’s fave). Perfectly poised and lengthy, rich in fresh baked bread, citrus and crisp apple, with hints of strawberries. 3 LINDAUER CLASSIC ROSÉ NV, $13 A perennial bargain, but you may not know that Lindauer Rosé is also a pretty regular gold medal winner. Bright, fresh strawberries with a lick of creamy complexity, nice fruit weight on the palate and a clean finish. 4 PETIT CORDON BY MAISON…

TABLE IN THE SUN Kick back and enjoy a truly relaxing, Kiwi-style outdoor Christmas. Freedom Furniture’s tableware and accessories are perfect to create a celebratory al fresco setting. Paper decorations in contemporary colours and furniture in natural materials create a laid-back festive feel. Ratu occasional chair (foreground), $399, Stella paper stars, from $11, Lush paper trees, from $16.freedomfurniture.co.nz RESENE COLOUR EXPERT BRENDA NGATAI TALKS COLOUR FOR 2020 What colour schemes are we going to see more of in 2020? For interiors, there’s a shift away from the all-white look; a quiet move towards soft tones of turquoise and washed-out blues. These colours offer an understated freshness, and a retreat from the busyness of the world. Washed-out blues give a tranquil feeling. You can either use these colours on all the…

When you fall in love with an animal, it’s a lovely thing. You have an extra special spark in your day, a little being who constantly reminds you how wonderful the world is, how lovely love is and how gorgeous a cuddle can be on a sad day. But sometimes it can all be a bit much. As I’m writing this I am currently in love with Rosie and Flo (dogs), Peggy and Dickie (cats), Bambi and Bruce (cattle), Rusty and Beau (roosters), Snowflake, Chrissie, Violet, Flame, Ophelia, Sooty Bum, Stevie, Penny (hens) and 10 baby chicks who are yet to be named. My day starts listening to Rusty and Beau crowing, with Peggy and Dickie on the bed, closely followed by Rosie and Flo. Then it’s feeding time for…

STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER (December 19) I wouldn’t be staying true to my eternal Star Wars-loving self if I didn’t include the final film in this third trilogy in my top summer movie picks for 2019. Wrapping up the epic Skywalker saga, the ninth chapter, The Rise of Skywalker brings to a close 40 years of the galactic adventures of Luke and Leia and now Kylo/Ben and Rey, not to mention Chewbacca, R2-D2 and C-3PO. There are no words to describe my excitement.JJ Abrams directs; Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley and John Boyega all reprise their roles, and even the late Carrie Fisher will feature. Fans across the globe will be queuing around the block once again to lose themselves in that galaxy far, far away. CATS…

SAGITTARIUS • NOV 23-DEC 21 Instead of Christmas carols, it might be Aretha Franklin’s “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” you’ll be belting out this month. With Venus, planet of harmony, in your house of stability until December 20, treating people fairly – and ensuring you’re treated equally fairly – will be very important to you. It might be tempting to compromise or sacrifice to make life easier for other people, but if this leaves you short-changed, you’ll end up resentful. Meanwhile, January 2 is an ideal day to set goals for your career steps and financial plans in 2020. CAPRICORN • DEC 22-JAN 20 Feeling romantic? Love planet Venus is in your sign until December 20. Romance and fun have never been more appealing than work and obligations, which is somewhat unusual for a…

Letter of the month I read your article Welcome to the Good Life and was blown away by the resilience and determination of Lesley Porter. Having lost her family in a tragic car crash at age five and then being shipped around various family members, unwanted and unloved, must have been traumatic and soul-destroying. To then find herself, and turn her life around among the animals on a horse-riding school is a story of incredible fortitude, compassion and love. Lesley has shown that unconditional acceptance from animals can heal a damaged heart and allow her to love herself. To have then gone on and opened up The Good Life Farm for children who haven’t been nurtured by humans in their life, so that they too can be nurtured by animals…

“Motherhood is a joyful, joyful thing but it’s also tough.” Jacinda Ardern is not one for introspection – not because she doesn’t see the value of it, but because at this stage of her life, there just isn’t time. Our Prime Minister has inadvertently become quite an expert in one-upping her previous year. And of course, 2019 has been no different. “It’s been a big one,” Jacinda admits. “But it’s been rewarding. That’s how I think I’ll feel at the end of the year.” For her Australian Women’s Weekly cover shoot, we have a brief but action-packed window with the Prime Minister to talk about the past 12 months and, of course, all things festive. This Christmas, Jacinda, her fiancé Clarke Gayford and their toddler Neve will be in Gisborne…

Joanna Lumley Actress “Being 70 is fabulous. I’ve always just felt like me, so the numbers are incidental.” I’ve always loved getting older, so being 70 is fabulous. I’ve always just felt like me, so the numbers are incidental. You never lose the little you who is within you. We are like trees – we grow more and more circles and more layers as we grow older, but inside us is always the person you were when you were tiny. To be 70 and still working, I’ve been very lucky. Mind you, I’ve also worked jolly hard. I would tell my younger self that one is powerless until one decides to be powerful – all of us can put on a Batman cape. I’m not a lawyer, nurse, teacher or…

A glamorous woman reclines against the kitchen bench in a skin-tight designer dress as shiny and bright as the jewels that drip from her fingers. Preparing a festive meal for the household, she pouts for our cameras before languidly reaching for a packet of crisps, holding them elegantly aloft… and pouring the lot decadently into her open mouth. Delicately picking stray crisps from her heaving cleavage she furtively pops them into her mouth, chewing frantically before breaking into a raucous chuckle and yelling “Christmas!” delightedly. Welcome to the world of Celeste Barber, where fashion meets physical comedy in the social media age. Less than five years ago, Celeste was an under the radar actor and comedian who had appeared in series including All Saints and Home and Away. Today, however,…

Every year I’m asked for the secret to really crispy, crunchy roast potatoes that are soft and fluffy inside. Firstly, use the correct potatoes. I always use Agria. Peel and parboil for 10 minutes and drain really well until they’re quite dry. I rough them up a bit, shaking in the pan or even scoring with a fork to make them crisper. Here’s the secret tip: toss them in a couple of tablespoons of flour (or gluten-free fine semolina flour). Heat the fat (ideally goose or duck fat, but dripping or oil is fine) in the roasting tin so that the potatoes go into hot fat. Roll them to coat and cook at 200°C until gloriously crisp. They can be held at a low temperature or rewarmed to serve later.…

What lies beneath Forget everything you’ve ever known about bras. Sloggi’s ground-breaking Zero Feel series, made from stretchy, super-fine microfibre, gives great support and, best of all, comfort like never before. Available from Farmers and Smith & Caughey’s, $39.95 (XS-L). SOFT SPOT Layer super-light cashmere on cooler evenings. Laing 100 per cent cashmere Featherweight crew in Silver Marle, $349, and tee in Sienna, $315. lainghome.com So pretty! If you’ve RSVP’d yes but are still yet to find the perfect summer wedding dress, this stunning floral midi number will make a stylish statement – without outshining the bride of course. High neck dress, $280.witchery.co.nz Even if the most exotic destination you’re heading to this summer is your local beach or pool, channel a tropical island vibe with this gorgeous one-piece. Tropical…

1 Fancy a drop  Eye drops are a classic trick for brighter, more dewy eyes. To avoid streaks, put them in before applying make-up and you’ll look noticeably fresher. 2 Conceal everything  Under-eye rings, spots, capillaries, redness… these draw attention away from your eyes. Muting them gives a better “stage” on which to shine. 3 Warm your skin  Your go-to shadow may lighten and brighten eyes but rich tones can take over, so add subtle bronzer or a slightly darker foundation to cheeks. 4 Know your tools  Soft hair brushes pick up lots of shadow and aren’t scratchy. Test vegan brushes on the back of your hand to ensure they’re effective and gentle.…

Q My teenage son had some strong knee pain after football training. He did the RICE treatment (rest, ice, compression, elevation) and it subsided but keeps returning. Does he need a scan? G.T. A recurring knee pain needs to be investigated. Your GP will examine his knee and advise what investigation is best. Depending on the result, he may refer your son to a physiotherapist, sports medicine physician or orthopaedic surgeon. Q For the past two years I’ve had debilitating heavy and painful periods. I’m 40 now and my tummy feels big and sore each month. Shouldn’t my periods be tailing off at this age? D.M. The average age of menopause is just over 50. Your symptoms sound more like endometriosis. Your GP will arrange investigations, including a pelvic ultrasound.…

Barbecued vegetable salad SERVES 8 PREP AND COOK TIME 30 MINUTES 4 small (320g) red onions, halved crossways 4 bulbs (520g) baby fennel, trimmed, halved lengthways, reserve some fronds 2 large (700g) red capsicums, trimmed, quartered 4 (250g) finger eggplants, halved lengthways 4 small (360g) zucchini, halved lengthways ⅔ cup (180ml) extra-virgin olive oil DRESSING ⅔ cup (180ml) extra-virgin olive oil ⅔ cup (180ml) verjuice 1 medium (140g) lemon, cut in half and sliced thinly ½ cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped coarsely 1 Preheat the barbecue plate to medium/high. Place the onions, fennel, capsicum, eggplant and zucchini in a large dish, add the olive oil and toss to coat well. Season with sea salt. 2 Place onions, cut side down on barbecue, cook for about 15-20 minutes. After 5 minutes, add…

Did you know there’s no such thing as French champagne? That’s because all champagne must be French by definition. Named for its region of origin, champagne wines must meet strict criteria imposed under French law. This is policed very strongly, as Yves Saint Laurent discovered when it tried to call a perfume Champagne. All other sparkling wines made in the manner of champagne are called méthode traditionnelle, and are usually made from a combination of chardonnay (finesse and elegance), pinot noir (structure and power) and pinot meunier (lively fruitiness). The latter two are red-skinned, but gentle pressing means no colour is imparted unless it’s required, such as for rosé styles. You may also see blanc de blancs mentioned, which means only white grapes were used, or blanc de noirs for…

WHAT YOU NEED • Sharp craft knife • Metal ruler • Natural twine (thin) • Hot glue sticks and glue gun • Paint (colours of your choice) • White ink pen • 1 sheet of 3mm balsa wood, 100mm x 915mm (makes about 8 tiny houses), available at Spotlight, spotlightstores.com Different designs and sizes look wonderful hung together. We experimented with tall and square shapes, and adding tiny chimneys. 1 Start by measuring and cutting all six pieces. Take your time. Make sure the blade is sharp to avoid unwanted splits and breaks in the balsa wood. 2 Cut two sides 20mm x 35mm; two pieces for the roof 28mm x 35mm; two pieces for the front and back 50mm x 35mm. Mark apex of roof (A) and 35cm from…

“Large streams from little fountains flow, tall oaks from little acorns grow.” The first tree I ever planted was an English oak (Quercus robur). As a chatty and curious child, one summer I struck up a roadside conversation with an old fella pricking out self-sown oaks from under the tree at the end of my grandparents’ lane on the Thames Coast. When I asked him what he was doing, he simply handed me a seedling in a milk carton and told me to take it home and plant it. I subsequently found a spot for it on the edge of a fenced-off wetland on our family farm’s run-off block (where, fortuitously, my parents later retired). Three decades on, that tiny tree now towers over me. I wish I could say…

Great reads THE TESTAMENTS by Margaret Atwood, Vintage The most anticipated book of the year is Atwood’s sequel to her novel The Handmaid’s Tale, 34 years after the original. And while it may not pack the same punch, this is racy addictive storytelling. Fifteen years have passed and Offred is out on her own. Through three narrators – brutal Aunt Lydia and Offred’s daughters Agnes and Nicole – we witness the advancement of Gilead via explosive testaments. THE LYING ROOM by Nicci French, William Morrow Neve Connolly has been having an affair with her boss Saul. It was meant to be a mid-life fling – a distraction from her tired marriage and motherhood. But things begin to unravel when Neve arrives at Saul’s flat one morning to find…