Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2020 i Australian Women’s Weekly NZ

Our wonderful editor, Michele Crawshaw, is away with her husband Chris on a great American road trip, so it’s my turn for a spin in the ed’s chair. Like most Aucklanders, my morning commute is long and I fill my bus ride by listening to podcasts. Yes, this means I am like that annoying person in your friend group who is always saying: “I heard this great quote on a podcast.” But bear with me, because I did indeed hear this great quote on a podcast! “Perfection is the enemy of progress,” said Winston Churchill. I have long been a fan of Winston’s quotes – my favourites being, “If you’re going through hell, keep going,” and every single one of his drunken party insults (none of which we can really…

This year, Renee Wright will turn 40, and if that’s a surprise to you, rest assured that it’s quite the surprise to her as well. As mum to three children, there is no time to look too far into the future, because the present is very much here, now, and requiring Renee to be in about five places at once. When she sits down with The Australian Women’s Weekly, Renee is midway through, as she calls it, “the never-ending school holidays”. It’s a marathon, not a race. “Some days, okay is enough,” she laughs. “It’s like, ‘Okay, we made it, everyone is fed, everyone is in bed.’ Some days are like that – and some days are like that one after the other. And then on other days, you’re like…

The Supreme Court of Victoria, in Melbourne, is not a place for romance, but as she sat in handcuffs before a judge, Robyn Lindholm sent meaningful looks towards her lover. Hunched and rough-faced, Torsten Trabert, also in chains, sat just a few feet away, on the other side of an armed guard. The love-struck brute flirted back, seemingly oblivious to the sombre proceedings going on around him. It was the closest the couple had been since they were arrested two years earlier, after homicide police chased them through one of Melbourne’s inner suburbs. The dog squad finally tracked them to a drain where they were hiding in water up to their necks. Lindholm, a blonde former stripper, eventually admitted to ordering the murder of her ex, and Trabert, a truck…

It was the summer of 1983 when Carly Simon, by then famous for such hits as Nobody Does it Better, You’re So Vain and You Belong to Me, attended a dinner at the Ocean Club in California’s affluent summer playground, Martha’s Vineyard. Also there that evening was Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. She was accompanying her son, John Kennedy Jr, himself a sometime Martha’s Vineyard resident and acquaintance of Carly’s, and he introduced the two women briefly. Conversation haltingly began and soon they were bumping into each other more frequently – with an invitation to Carly’s home on the island issued not long after. This would prove the birth of an incredible friendship which would see them share long lunches, dinner dates, trips to the movies and theatre as well as insights…

Yoga pose to the rescue Ever tried stretching your legs up against a wall? Perhaps to quell puffy ankles after a flight, or ease achy calves after a long day. In yoga, this pose is called Viparita Karani – Inverted Lake Pose or Legs Up The Wall (of course). It was believed to be a fountain of youth, and not just for the legs. It feels so good because, as the pressure of gravity disappears, muscles soften and relax. Veins no longer bulge as blood flows back to the heart, and the fluid build-up between tissues drains. It’s a beautifully simple way to relieve your legs and boost wellbeing. And there are lots of other ways to give your legs some love, too. As well as slashing salt and staying…

The foundation Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Stick Foundation SPF15 in 03 Beige Diaphane, $70. The cheek enhancer Fenty Beauty Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick in Chili Mango, $43. The cheek enhancer Nudestix Nudies Bloom Matte All Over Face Color Blush & Bronze in Poppy Girl, $56. The highlighter Luma On The Glow Highlighter in Wander-Musk, $32, from lumabeauty.com. The foundation Revlon ColorStay Life-proof Foundation Stick in 150 Buff Chamois, $32. The contour Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour, $57. The cheek enhancer Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick Las Salinas, $63, from charlottetilbury.com.…

Ultrasound can improve tremors for three years without serious side effects, according to a study in Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Essential tremor is a neurological condition that involves uncontrollable shaking of the hands, arms, legs and voice, which interferes with everyday tasks like drinking, dressing and writing. Currently, deep brain stimulation is used for severe tremor. The study looked at a treatment called focused ultrasound thalamotomy and found the benefits were immediate and three years after the study, participants had still improved in hand tremors, disability and quality of life.…

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.…

Mushroom and kale lasagne MAKES 6 PORTIONS PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR 20 MINUTES 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 800g Swiss brown mushrooms, sliced 1 medium onion (150g), chopped finely 2 cloves garlic, chopped finely 1 tablespoon thyme leaves 250g fresh lasagne sheets 225g bocconcini, sliced thinly ½ cup (40g) grated parmesan KALE BÉCHAMEL SAUCE 60g butter ⅓ cup (50g) plain flour 1 litre (4 cups) milk, warmed ½ bunch kale (250g), stems removed, leaves shredded ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 cup (80g) grated parmesan ASSEMBLY INGREDIENT 60g salad leaves 1 KALE BÉCHAMEL SAUCE Heat butter in a heavy-based saucepan over medium heat until melted and starting to bubble. Add flour; cook, stirring continuously, for 4 minutes until a pale straw colour. Remove pan from heat. Add half…

Fennel and chilli SERVES 6 PREP AND COOK 40 MINUTES 6 baby (780g) fennel, quartered lengthways 2 yellow banana chillies, sliced thickly 6 cloves garlic, bruised 6 sprigs rosemary ¼ cup (60ml) verjuice ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil Place 2 large pieces of foil on the bench then lay a piece of baking paper on top. Divide ingredients between each piece of foil/paper and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Fold into a parcel to completely enclose vegetables. Place on an oven tray. Preheat the barbecue to medium-high. Place the parcels on the barbecue and cook with the hood closed for about 25 minutes or until vegetables are just tender. Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Oregano potatoes SERVES 6 PREP AND COOK TIME 40 MINUTES…

Lemon cake with raspberry buttercream SERVES 12 250g unsalted butter, at room temperature 360g caster sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste 4 large eggs, at room temperature 250ml buttermilk finely grated zest and juice of 2 lemons 750g self-raising flour 250g freeze-dried raspberries RASPBERRY BUTTERCREAM 250g fresh raspberries 2 teaspoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons caster sugar 350g unsalted butter, at room temperature 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste 500g icing sugar, sifted FILLING 400g full-fat ricotta, at room temperature 400g mascarpone, at room temperature 1.2 litres cream, plus 3 tablespoons extra 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste 250g fresh raspberries 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease and line two 22cm springform tins with baking paper. 2 Place the butter, caster sugar and vanilla in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted…

Green grapes make white wines and red/ purple grapes make red wines – yes? Actually, almost all grapes’ pulpy insides are clear, and so is their juice, which eventually becomes wine. You can therefore make white wine from red grapes (for most sparkling wines, that’s exactly what happens). Red wines’ colour comes from pigments in the grape skins. To make a red wine, pressed juice must be left in contact with the coloured grape skins. This period of skin contact is days, or even weeks for true red wines, but to get rosé’s hint of colour, it’s a mere few hours to a day at most. The final hue of pink relates to the grape variety as well as the length of skin contact. Rosés can also be made by…

COLLECTION CRUSH Society of Wanderers curate stunning bohemian homewares, inspired by timeless traditions, vintage pieces, tribal patterns and designs. Layer textures and colours for an eclectic feel. Products are ethically made by artisans from all over the world, creating an exotic vibe. This 100 per cent French flax linen range of duvets, quilts, cushions and more is available from teapea.co.nz. TICKLED PINK The Lowdown Locker is the ultimate multi-purpose piece – console, TV station or office storage. With an adjustable shelf, handy hooks and a discreet cable hole, you won’t have any trouble finding the perfect spot for one in your home. In White, Slate, Olive and Blush, $499. shutthefrontdoor.co.nz JUST CHILL Sway the day away this summer in a sturdy, natural cotton hammock. Create a wonderfully relaxing zone just…

You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear, or so the old Scottish proverb goes. But who knew that you can make a fetching silk purse – or, in my case, a funky felted lampshade – from silkworm spew and fluffy merino fibres rubbed together between two bits of plastic bubble wrap? Beautiful things often have insalubrious beginnings, and none more so than delicate strands of silk. When the Scots first coined their famous proverb in 1699, they probably had no idea how silk was made, for a lady pig’s hairy lugs are actually on a par, romance-wise, with bulimic Bombyx mori silkworms. From the minute they hatch until they start to spin their silken cocoons, regurgitating a single fine strand of silk up to 900m long,…

For many dreaming of heading to Japan, it is images of blooming cherry blossoms, neatly cut bonsai gardens, traditional temples, glorious geisha and the hustle and bustle of Tokyo’s shopping district that pop into their heads. But for this writer, the lure of steaming bowls of ramen, glistening arrays of freshly cut sashimi, displays of neatly packed bento boxes and the unmistakable scent of sizzling okonomiyaki dictated my travel timetable without ever having to miss a cultural beat. First stop, Tokyo No matter the hour, people are dining in Tokyo so despite arriving late at night, I made my way to a local izakaya. These casual bar/restaurants abound in Japan: you sit at the bar, a high table or use a traditional tatami mat and low table to drink local…

NARA Just a short train trip from Kyoto, handfeed the deer in the Nara National Park before visiting Todaiji and Horyuji temples. The former houses a towering 15 metre bronze Budda, the latter has an incredible five-storey pagoda. KOYASAN One of the holiest sites in Japan. Ascend the mountain by cable car before taking the must-do walk through mystical Okunoin. Over 200,000 tombstones, some dating back to 816AD, lead the way to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. OSAKA This thriving city is famed for its foodie culture and castle, which is spectacular in cherry blossom season. Sample takoyaki (dumpling balls filled with octopus and topped with mayonnaise and bonito) and okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes with delicious toppings).…

Empress of Soul Gladys Knight will perform in Auckland and Christchurch this month – her first New Zealand shows in more than two decades. The seven-time Grammy Award winner will perform in Auckland on February 13 and Christchurch on February 15.See ticketek.co.nz. If one of your resolutions is to learn to meditate, try a free course. Meditation Auckland is running a four-night course this month, on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7.30pm-9pm, in central Auckland. It’s free but registration is essential. See meditationauckland.co.nz.…

American Dirt  by Jeanine Cummins, Tinder Press. Review by Juliet Rieden In the heart of every migrant is hope; it’s a dreamy driving force more powerful than those of us who live in comfortable “lucky” countries can ever comprehend. This book crystallises that emotion and imbues it with a compelling urgency that makes Jeanine Cummins’ brilliant American Dirt essential reading. The thriller intertwines the stories of men, women and children desperate enough to cling to the roof of La Bestia train network as it thunders through Mexico towards the promised land: el norte. The tale centres on bookshop owner Lydia and her smart son Luca, eight, seemingly unlikely candidates for this perilous journey, but as we soon discover there is no “typical” in the world of illegal aliens. In the…

1 Every recipe in The Australian Women’s Weekly is triple-tested by our world-famous Test Kitchen, established in 1950. Each dish is created by our food team, then tested three times to ensure it works as well for you in your kitchen as it does in ours. 2 You can trust The Australian Women’s Weekly’s food team to be first with the new trends – after all, we introduced Chinese cooking into Australasian homes in the 1970s and are now giving mainstream appeal to the new world of superfoods and clean eating. 3 Ingredients we use will be readily available in your local supermarket and if we do suggest an exotic item, we always give an alternative that’s easy to find.…

GIVEAWAY Acorn TV has an extensive library of top-notch drama, crime thrillers and comedy, so Kiwis can instantly access their favourite shows from Britain and beyond – perfect for fans of excellent UK programming. This is streaming, but not as you know it, meeting a demand for quality, sophisticated content, and at a price that’s worthy of a double-take. The carefully curated British selection confidently stacks up as a new contender against established streaming services. We have five Acorn TV one-year subscriptions to give away, each valued at $79.99. To win go to nowtolove.co.nz/win and enter the code ATV02. One entry per person. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/awwmagazine FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @awwmagazine…

Awards season Revel with a cause AWARDS SEASON was less about celebrating past achievements and more about looking to future action. Russell Crowe’s Golden Globe speech highlighted the bushfires, and Australian Succession actress Sarah Snook backed his comments. BAFTA double-nominee Margot Robbie urged viewers to donate anything they could to fire services. Nicole Kidman, who donated $500,000 to the cause, also spoke about the fires, while Cate Blanchett sent a thank you to emergency personnel, while presenting a Golden Globe award. Now we are nine The Danish royal family has released these beautiful candid photos of Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine to mark the twins’ ninth birthday. Their mother, Crown Princess Mary, took the photos herself. ICE ART DELIGHTS The 10,000 workers who cut 220,000 cubic metres of ice into…

When Harry met Meghan everything changed. He was floating on cloud nine, falling hard and fast for this passionate, nurturing, exciting Californian with her brilliant TV career and thriving lifestyle blog. Prince Harry was a young man aching to find love, to start his own family, to stand by his brother with his own wife by his side and find a partner for his very unique line of work. In those halcyon months before the world knew about their secret romance, Harry and Meghan forged a powerful union and a tender love. Together they planned to take on the world, to inspire and empower, and have a go at fixing many of the problems that troubled their generation. Those closest to Prince Harry saw the change immediately. At a recent…

As he addressed the daughter of one of the volunteer firefighters who lost their lives, RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons’ voice cracked: “Baby Charlotte, you need to know that your dad was a selfless man, he was a special man and he only left us because he is a hero.” Fitzsimmons was speaking at the funeral of Andrew O’Dwyer, 36 (third from top). He and fellow firefighter, Geoffrey Keaton, 32, (bottom) lost their lives before Christmas when a falling tree hit their RFS truck on the Green Wattle Creek fireground near Buxton, south-west of Sydney. Both men were posthumously presented with the highest accolade, the Commissioner’s Commendation for Extraordinary Service and Bravery. Volunteer firefighter Samuel McPaul died on duty on December 30 at the Green Valley fireground near Albury, leaving behind…

A ruthless seductress, former stripper Robyn Lindholm would use sex to lure her lovers to perform her dirty work, and they would become putty in her hands. Soon a wicked web of betrayal and murder was spun, with Lindholm leaving victims in her wake. The earliest she is due for release from prison is 2049. ROBYN LINDHOLM GUILTY OF ORDERING THE MURDERS OF EX-LOVERS WAYNE AMEY AND GEORGE TEAZIS. TORSTEN TRABERT GUILTY OF MURDERING WAYNE AMEY AND SENTENCED TO 28 YEARS. JOHN ANTHONY RYAN GUILTY OF MURDERING WAYNE AMEY AND SENTENCED TO 31 YEARS. WAYNE AMEY LINDHOLM’S LOVER AND SECOND VICTIM, WHO ALSO HELPED KILL HER FIRST. GEORGE TEAZIS LINDHOLM’S FIRST VICTIM, MURDERED BY WAYNE AMEY. HIS BODY HAS NEVER BEEN RECOVERED.…

Pat Brown’s eyes are alight with enthusiasm. “Oh, they’re fantastic, they’re our angels,” she says of her new best friends, the four university students who are swapping companionship for free rent at the aged-care facility she calls home. Aged 79, Pat is chatting animatedly about computers, handicrafts, family history and the university course on dementia prevention she has just completed. This bright-eyed, funny grandmother gets around in a wheelchair but still has “all her marbles”, as she wryly puts it. And she loves sharing life experiences with her 30-year-old neighbour Gabrielle. Nothing too unusual about that, perhaps – except for the fact that, in a bold new initiative, they both live at Scalabrini Bexley, a care facility in Sydney. That’s where Gabrielle and three other allied health students receive free…

If you’re one of the many thousands of people who make New Year’s resolutions – to lose 20kg, start Pilates or regular workouts at the gym, to eat only plant-based meals, or curb your chardonnay-fuelled late night online shopping habits – the chances are high that you will have broken these resolutions by the first week in February, if not on day two of the New Year. I know it’s all about good intentions, but give yourself a break… you’re okay just as you are. A New Year won’t mean a new you. You’re not some sort of smartphone that needs its apps updated constantly, or worse that’s replaced by a new model every year. Be kind to yourself. It’s pretty simple really – just do fewer things, but do…

Barre footwork to loosen ankles and activate lymph Stand with feet slightly apart and come up onto the balls of the feet, then slowly lower down to the heel. Repeat 10 times then do 10 pulses. Try with feet in a small V, and wide V. Pilates bridge to counteract sitting and hunching Lie on your back with feet flat on the floor. Carefully peel the spine up off the floor, then roll back down. After 8-10 repetitions, keep hips lifted and do 10 pulses. Roll-downs to loosen and relax the legs, hips and spine Stand with feet slightly apart, knees soft. Slowly roll down, taking time to find length and space. Relax for a beat at the bottom, then roll carefully back up. Repeat two or three times.…

REMOVER Refreshers like Mecca Clean Slate Micellar Water (1), $32, feel lovely, and now there’s the brilliant Face Halo Original (2), $33, for three. These little washable microfibres make a fantastic, eco-friendly alternative to wipes. Simply wet one and swipe it over your face to remove make-up. Or, for a polished feel, use after your usual cleanser. CLEANSER Your best cleanser leaves you feeling fresh and light, not tight. And cleansing oils and balms are great at grabbing grime, since like attracts like. They also have a lot of slip for a mini face massage at night, especially if they have fragrant oils that calm the mind. Try Sunday Riley Blue Moon Tranquillity Cleansing Balm (3), $86. DAY SERUM, CREAM Antioxidants, especially vitamin C and niacinamide, are the multi-taskers we…

WHAT CAN WE ALL DO to strengthen, protect and care for our lungs for the long term? • Don’t smoke. Ever. • Exercise every day to the point of puffing for at least 20-30 minutes. • Regular yoga practice can be beneficial for breathing problems. • Spend regular time in nature, among trees or by the ocean. • Avoid exercising outdoors on poor air quality days. • Wear a mask for protection against infection and pollution at times of high risk. • Avoid crowds during the flu season. • Have an annual flu vaccine and ask your doctor about a pneumococcal vaccine. • Avoid exposure to indoor pollutants. • If someone at home has a respiratory illness, take precautions to avoid exposure.…

Q I have black floating spots in my eyesight, but only in front of my left eye. They’ve been coming and going for a couple of months and seem to be more frequent now. Is this something I should see my GP or an optometrist for? D.A. The most likely cause for the floater is a posterior vitreous detachment. Any recent change in your vision should be assessed, either by an optometrist or your doctor, who will determine whether you need to see an ophthalmologist (medical eye specialist). Q My husband is in his mid-50s and sometimes – perhaps in times of heat or stress – comes out in a rash on his chest, which the doctor says is Grover’s disease. It usually subsides with a cortisone cream. Is there…

“For a final flourish, drizzle over extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil leaves.” Tempeh chips and mashed toms SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 30 MINUTES 300g block tempeh 2 tablespoons white (shiro) miso ⅓ cup (80ml) extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 250g cherry truss tomatoes 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). Line a large and small oven tray with baking paper. 2 Split tempeh block in half through the middle; cut crossways into 1cm wide chips. Stir miso, half the olive oil, honey and paprika in a large bowl; add tempeh chips, turn to coat. 3 Place chips on large lined tray. Place tomatoes on small tray, drizzle with red wine vinegar and remaining olive oil.…

Broccoli and barley salad SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 45 MINUTES 1 cup (200g) pearl barley 350g broccoli, cut into small florets 1 bunch broccolini (175g), halved lengthways 500g vine-ripened cherry tomatoes 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 100g baby salad leaves OREGANO SALSA 1 cup firmly packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped finely ½ cup firmly packed fresh oregano leaves, chopped finely 2 spring onions, sliced thinly 2 tablespoons baby capers 1 long red chilli, seeded, chopped finely ½ cup (125ml) extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup (60ml) sherry vinegar PICK-YOUR-PROTEIN 600g beef rump steak OR 4 x 220g salmon fillets OR 400g piece feta, plus 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 Cook barley in large saucepan of boiling salted water for 35 minutes or until tender.…

NATURAL GAS Cooking on a natural gas barbecue is clean, economical and convenient. It provides instant heat with a turn of a dial which distributes evenly across the barbecue plates. A gas barbecue gives control and accuracy allowing the cook to create delicious meals easily outdoors. DIRECT HEAT This method is when the food is cooked directly over the burners with the hood open. It’s used for searing and best for food that requires short cooking times such as steaks, sausages or burgers. INDIRECT HEAT This is used with hooded barbecues when lower temperatures and longer cooking times are required. It’s best for large cuts or joints of meat and poultry on the bone. The interior heat circulates around food, cooking it without burning. The burners directly under the food…

“Add grated beetroot to chocolate cake and brownie recipes for extra colour, flavour and moisture.” – Diane Davidson Beautiful blueberries Blueberries are a superfruit, with one of the highest antioxidant levels of any fruit or vegetable and are at their best right now. Here are three fun facts about these delicious nutrition superstars. 1 Anthocyanin, the flavonoid which gives blueberries their colour, is a powerful antioxidant that’s thought to prevent free-radical damage in your body’s cells. 2 The fine powder found on fresh blueberries is called “bloom”. It’s natural and safe to eat and protects the berries by acting as a barrier. Rinse blueberries right before you eat them, so you don’t destroy the bloom’s protective effect 3 One cup of fresh blueberries contains 25 per cent of your daily…

1 2019 RIPPON CENTRAL OTAGO ROSÉ, $28 Only made every now and again when vintage conditions permit, this is a succulent blend of pinot noir and gamay, grown at the beautiful biodynamic estate of Rippon, on Lake Wanaka’s edge. Hunt it down. 2 2019 VILLA MARIA PRIVATE BIN HAWKE’S BAY ROSÉ, $16 Villa Maria is an ever-reliable name in the game and this wine certainly punches well above its weight. Fresh strawberry, red plum and a hint of spice – just chill and add a hot summer’s afternoon. 3 2016 NAUTILUS MARLBOROUGH VINTAGE ROSÉ, $48 Pale pink and charming, this is a harmonious, elegant wine with delicate red berry fruit and brioche notes. With a very finely structured palate, it’s layered and lengthy; a rosé to savour. 4 2019 TRINITY…

• Just as we grow swan plants in school gardens so children can witness the other-worldly transformation of striped monarch caterpillars into gold-studded chrysalises, then tiger-striped butterflies, many Kiwis will remember raising silkworms in their classrooms as a practical science experiment. A popular project in the 1950s and ’60s, silkworm hatching seems to have fallen out of curriculum fashion, much like growing peanuts. • If you’re intrigued by the idea of raising silkworms, and you already have a mature mulberry tree in your garden, check out Timaru-based silkworm breeder Rudi Robberts’ Facebook page, Beyond the Mulberry Tree, to source eggs and live silkworms. • Silkworm eggs take up to 14 days to hatch. After hatching, the silkworm larvae continuously scoff fresh mulberry leaves for 20 to 30 days, shedding their…

MUST TRY Do like the locals and grab an onigiri – a stuffed rice ball wrapped in nori – for an easy breakfast on the go. MUST SEE The Tokyo skyline is spectacular by night and there’s no better place to take in the view than at Park Hyatt’s New York Bar, made famous in the film Lost in Translation. Sip cocktails while listening to the resident jazz band. MUST VISIT It’s sensation overload at Akihabara Electric Town but the lights and sounds and incredible array of gadgets on offer leave an indelible impression. Head there after lunch at the famed Tsukiji Fish Market or a visit to the Imperial Palace East Gardens.…

Letter of the month Thanks for sharing your article about the brave female firefighters battling the blazes in Australia. Fire fighting is often considered a more male dominant career option, so it’s great for younger generations to see successful women in this profession. The devastation to humans, animals and their habitats is heart-wrenching and I have found myself in tears many times over the last few weeks watching the coverage. Your article also brought me to tears, for the devastation caused, the blindness to the effects of climate change by the Australian Government, but also for the bravery of these firefighters. After reading your article, our family donated to both the Queensland and New South Wales Rural Fire Services and I’m sure many other readers did the same. Jess Good…

OLYMPIAN DEFECTS Iran’s only female Olympic medallist, Kimia Alizadeh, has defected from the country, saying she no longer wants to be a part of “hypocrisy, lies, injustice and flattery”. IM-PRESS-IVE Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney has been honoured with a Freedom of the Press award for her work, including defending two journalists being held in Myanmar. PACIFIC ACCOLADE Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been named Pacific Person of the Year by Islands Business magazine, because of her work in raising global awareness of climate change and how it will drastically affect the Pacific region.…

Personal wealth Before she joined the royal family, the Duchess of Sussex reportedly earned US$50,000 an episode as an actress in TV drama Suits plus income from film roles and her lifestyle blog. According to The Independent, Meghan’s net worth before she married was around £3.8 million. Past funding • The sussexroyal.com website says five per cent of the Sussex family funding came from The Sovereign Grant, money from the UK public purse to fund royal duties. • The £2.4 million renovation of the Sussex family’s Windsor home, Frogmore Cottage, was paid from Sovereign Grant funds. • The remaining 95 per cent of Sussex funding, which finances their office and staffing, was paid by The Prince of Wales from income accrued from his estate, the Duchy of Cornwall. Funding now • The couple will no…

Flora lost in fires Some of Australia’s richest wilderness has been ravaged by bushfires so fierce conservationists now fear it may never fully recover. Western Australia’s Stirling Range is home to more than 1500 species of plants, at least 87 of which are not found anywhere else in the world, but out-of-control bushfires that burned more than 40,000 hectares in December could alter the delicate ecosystem. Nearly half the park was burned before 200 fire crews brought the flames under control, but now conservationists fear the blaze may have caused irreparable damage. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is conducting an aerial survey of the area to assess the damage, but they say they’ll have to wait until the regrowth begins in spring to know how well the bushland,…

Kristin Scott Thomas has a reputation for being an ice queen of the movie industry. As an actress she has immortalised those particular roles which require a certain aloofness and hauteur. Her breakthrough came in 1994 in Four Weddings and a Funeral when she played the acerbic Fiona, who is madly in love with the hapless Charles (Hugh Grant) but too proud to let him know how she feels. She went on to star opposite Robert Redford as the powerful, successful-but-broken Annie MacLean in The Horse Whisperer, and then as a frosty, married congresswoman who falls for a tough police detective (Harrison Ford) in Random Hearts. But it was as the brilliant, complicated, Katharine in The English Patient in 1996 – where her steamy affair with Ralph Fiennes won her…

Kate Sylvester was a teenager when she realised she wanted to leave school and design clothes. Her mother’s response was telling. “Oh that’s all right… I’d have worried if you’d wanted to be an accountant.” “Mum has always been incredibly supportive of me. When I was at school, I began chopping up sneakers and putting beads on them. She would drive me up to Orewa [north of Auckland] to sell them on the roadside over summer.” No surprises then, that Kate’s mother Toni was a creative person – a lover of the outdoors, a passionate gardener, a former teacher and stay-at-home mum. Kate credits her parents (pictured right) with being hugely influential in her life. Her father, Ron, was a teacher and loved the outdoors. A dedicated tramper and climber,…

When you enter a classroom running a Roots of Empathy programme, you might find the teacher looks a little different to normal. Sure, he might be wearing an official T-shirt that reads “Teacher”, but he’s also as likely to be having a quick nap or looking for a snack. In this lesson, the teacher might be just a few months old, but don’t let the adorability factor fool you. This baby is here to help primary school students learn how to manage their own emotions, read physical cues and understand the concept of empathy, a characteristic that Roots of Empathy founder Mary Gordon believes is the functional key that can determine either a good life or a difficult life, for both the students themselves and those around them. “As children…

The PARTY PIECE Stand out at summer gatherings in a light-hearted mix of colourful florals and monochrome spots. The FLOATY DRESS Keep the sun off and stay cool in this relaxed number. Add glitzy earrings and comfy platforms for a go-anywhere look. The NEON BRIGHT Channel the ’70s with a multi-hued, chevron-patterned top and skirt in a figure-hugging style. The CHECKED DRESS Swap your accessories to vary your look in this classic halter dress. Picnic or lunch with the girls, anyone? The SOPHISTICATED SPOT It’s hard to go wrong with chic, head-to-toe black and white spots. Add a cheeky check to mix things up a little. The KIMONO EFFECT Cover up in style in this comfortable combo, with…

BEE VENOM WHAT IS IT? Sometimes referred to as “nature’s Botox”, purified bee venom stimulates circulation and the body’s production of collagen and elastin, minimising fine lines. WHY WE LOVE IT: Blended with other skin nourishing ingredients, it helps smooth and plump skin, and the venom is collected ethically, so no bees are killed in the process. TRY: Wild Ferns Bee Venom Serum, $36. Shining example The pursuit of “inner glow”, whether it’s with cosmetics or wellness supplements, has been big news in beauty for a while. Now the focus has migrated north, with hair products and treatments also aiming to achieve a natural, shiny “glow”. Forget oily, heavy serums – these products deliver a weightless veil, so they are suitable for most hair types and are particularly useful for…

“I want to safeguard my nest egg until I need it.” They’re boring and they pay low interest. But bank term deposits are probably the best place to park money for a few months – or even a year or so. Anywhere else could be too risky. A reader we’ll call Jackie writes: “I am currently selling my house and anticipate I will have around $500,000 after I pay off my existing mortgage. I aim to buy again, but possibly not in the next 12 months. Any suggestions for short-term investment? “I want to safeguard my nest egg until I need it for another property.” ONE POSSIBILITY FOR JACKIE’S MONEY IS A NON-BANK TERM DEPOSIT OFFERED BY A FINANCE COMPANY. They pay higher interest than banks, which is, of course,…

Basic frittata MAKES 6 PREP AND COOK TIME 40 MINUTES 1½ tablespoons semolina 2 small (180g) zucchini 1 small (120g) potato, scrubbed, unpeeled 6 eggs 1 cup (240g) ricotta 1 clove garlic ¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley ½ teaspoon sea salt flakes Preheat oven to 220°C (200°C fan-forced). Lightly grease a 6-hole (¾ -cup/180ml) Texas muffin pan. Sprinkle greased holes with semolina. Using a vegetable peeler, cut 1 zucchini into ribbons. Line pan holes with zucchini, overlapping at different angles. Coarsely grate remaining zucchini and potato; squeeze out excess liquid. Whisk eggs, ricotta, garlic, parsley, salt flakes and grated vegetables in a medium bowl. Spoon mixture into pan holes. Bake for 25 minutes or until set. Flavour twists Pumpkin and rosemary Make Basic Frittata, adding ½ cup (85g) packed…

Garlicky yoghurt chicken SERVES 6 PREP AND COOK TIME 40 MINUTES (+ MARINATING TIME) 200g Greek yoghurt ½ small (50g) red onion, chopped 2-3 cloves garlic, peeled 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon rind 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground coriander ½ teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes 1.6kg chicken pieces, breasts and thigh cutlets, on the bone, skin on 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, approximately 2 lemons, halved 1 To make marinade, add yoghurt, onion, garlic, rind, spices and salt to a small food processor and pulse until combined; transfer to a large bowl. Add chicken pieces and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate 3 hours or overnight. 2 Preheat the barbecue to medium. Drain any excess marinade from chicken pieces. Grease barbecue plate with olive oil.…

Creamy overnight oats with no-cook berry compote SERVES 2 PREP AND COOK TIME 10 MINUTES (+ OVERNIGHT REFRIGERATION) ⅔ cup rolled oats or untoasted muesli 1 teaspoon chia seeds (optional) 1 apple skin-on, grated 1 ¾ cups a2 MilkTM by AnchorTM ¾ cup unsweetened coconut yoghurt coconut flakes and mint leaves to decorate (optional) NO COOK BERRY COMPOTE ¼ cup boiling water 1 heaped cup mixed berries 1 tablespoon chia seeds 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey 1 To make the compote, pour boiling water over the berries and mash lightly with a fork. Stir in the chia seeds and syrup and set aside. Mixture will thicken slightly as it cools. 2 In a medium bowl, combine the oats, chia seeds, grated apple and milk. Lightly mix and divide between 2…

When I first started judging wine shows around 15 years ago, doing the rosé class was a quick and rather depressing affair. There were about 20 wines, and few were any good. These days however, rosé classes often number around 100 wines and are a reliable source of gold medals. The judging table is a rainbow of pink hues – palest onion skin, candyfloss, deepest watermelon and salmon are all typical – and the well-made wines show a range of styles from fruity, berry-rich numbers to subtle, savoury ones. Rosé is undoubtedly a pretty wine but it’s also surprisingly versatile, straddling as it does red and white styles. It’s a great food wine and while well suited to frivolity, can also offer substance and sophistication. Rosés tend to vary between…

Moving a household from one side of the Earth to the other is challenging, but perseverance and a little good luck will see things through. Such was the case for Andrea Stark and her family, who had been living in London for 15 years until a move to Sydney in 2013. They put their furniture into storage and moved into a serviced apartment while they searched for a place to buy. Four months elapsed before Andrea and her husband, both originally from New Zealand – plus their children Olivia, now 15, and Luke, 13 – found this 380sqm Federation property a stone’s throw from a harbour beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. “From the moment we set foot inside, we knew we wanted to make it home,” says Andrea. The interior…

WHAT YOU NEED • Timber, 19mm thick x 115mm wide; cut two lengths, 30cm and 14cm, for each feeder using a handsaw, or ask a local hardware store to cut it for you • Ruler and pencil • 3 flat-head nails, approximately 40mm long • Hammer • Sandpaper • Wire and wire-cutting pliers • Hot glue and glue gun • Glass bottle, 600ml, with wired top (7cm diameter x 25cm high) or similar • 2 eyelet screws • Rope, approximately 50cm per feeder • Terracotta pot saucer, approximately 11cm diameter or slightly less • Drill and 3mm drill bit • Birdseed • Resene tape and testpot paint brush We used two Resene colours for each feeder (from left): Resene Nourish with Resene Aura Resene Time After Time with Resene Half…

I don’t mind a bit of wind. Never have. When it’s blowing a gale I’ll quite happily put on a good raincoat and hat and stride out into it with the dogs for a walk. It’s fun and refreshing and does a good job of reminding you of the power of nature. As a child I spent many hours with my dad in our boat in all weathers, fishing. Because that’s what you do in the country. Over the summer I’ve been reading diaries by Bloomsbury women like Dora Carrington, Virginia Woolf and Frances Partridge. These women were creative, liberal thinkers who wrote and painted, and lived a life free of many of the norms society required women to observe in the early 1900s. I am incredibly impressed by these…

MUST TRY Before boarding your bullet train, pick up a freshly packed bento box at the station. Warning: there are so many fillings to choose from that you will be tempted to dither and may miss your ride. MUST SEE The Ninja Temple may be a place of worship but it earned its name from the labyrinth of hidden tunnels, secret rooms and traps built in to make it a disguised military outpost during the Edo Period. MUST VISIT In Kanazawa’s former samurai district, Nagamachi, stroll the winding walkways and take a look inside the residences of the famous military men.…

AFTER LIFE (SEASON ONE – NETFLIX) Starring Ricky Gervais, Tom Basden, Kerry Godliman As his recent record fifth stint as the host with the roast at the Golden Globes so eloquently displayed, Ricky Gervais isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. I’m one of those people. But After Life showed me a very different side to the abrasive comedian, and I loved it. He plays Tony, an unlikeable, suicidally depressed and grief-stricken man struggling to survive each day after the death of his wife. The fact he makes this show zing with life, truth, warmth and genuine kooky hilarity almost feels miraculous, and by the end of the six half-hour episodes I found myself entirely under its spell. I’m now well ready for Season 2, rumoured to land on Netflix next month.…

Literary reads The Drover’s Wife by Leah Purcell, Hamish Hamilton Actor, playwright and author Leah Purcell grew up reading Henry Lawson’s famous 1892 short story The Drover’s Wife, carrying around her own battered copy of the book and annotating it with her childish sketches. The tale of the pregnant woman isolated in the family’s two-bedroom hut with her four children in Australia’s high country reached into her soul. This novel, which also incorporates some of Purcell’s family history, is just one of her reworkings of the tale – first came the stage play and soon there’s a film. And in this courageous reimagining of the classic, she has created something of a thriller, with the woman now named Molly Johnson and Aboriginal. The result is engrossing and truly powerful. INLAND…