Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2020 i Australian Women’s Weekly NZ

Fish with Caper Sauce If you are looking for a quick, simple and tasty mid week meal - then this one ticks all the boxes. The fresh fish, with a crunchy coating topped off with the flavour filled caper and butter sauce is simple, but explodes with flavour. Ingredients Approximately 300g of gurnard (or other white fish) Flour 1 egg lightly beaten Breadcrumbs 50g of Westgold butter Capers - about 10 to 20 per serving Salt & pepper Lemon wedges Method 1. Crumb the fish by coating in flour seasoned with salt and pepper, dipping in egg and then coating in breadcrumbs. 2. Melt the Westgold butter in the frying pan on a medium heat, then pan fry the fish on one side for a few minutes until golden. 3.…

Picture perfect IT WAS SET TO BE an occasion to remember, connecting the 1000-year history of the oldest European monarchy with modern Denmark. Two months of galas and exciting events to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Margrethe’s 80th birthday on April 16. Then COVID-19 set in and almost everything was cancelled. “I will remember my 80th birthday as unique, one of the most memorable,” said the Queen in a national address. While pomp and parties were off, stylish fine art photo portraits of Her Majesty and her family including an historic set-up with her son and heir, Crown Prince Frederik, and the second in line to the throne, Prince Christian, were still released, as was a stunning portrait of Crown Princess Mary’s daughter Princess Isabella for her 13th birthday. Cate channels…

As members of the royal family took to Instagram to wish seventh in line to the throne Archie Mountbatten-Windsor a happy first birthday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex proudly released a captivating video of family life in lockdown in California. It was filmed the previous weekend as part of a savvy celebrity fundraising campaign for Save the Children in the US and UK to support families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Prince Harry took on camera duties as Meghan read one of Archie’s favourite storybooks, Duck! Rabbit!, written by inspirational author and film maker Amy Krouse Rosenthal, who died from ovarian cancer in 2017. The story presents the debate over whether the well-known optical illusion illustration is a duck or a rabbit and teaches the lesson of appreciating different…

The joyous photograph of Kate and William indulging in a piggyback race in their garden at home, George and Charlotte clinging on to Mum and Dad, their heads thrown back, wind in their hair, was actually taken back in 2018. But it was the spirit of the shot that I suspect inspired the royal couple to choose it for a Mother’s Day Instagram post in these challenging times. Photographer Matt Porteus captured the moment when he was shooting the Cambridge family for the annual Christmas card. “It’s a very fun shot, very beautiful shot,” he told Hello! magazine. “It’s showing family togetherness, happiness.” He’s right. Togetherness at home is the potent message here and as the world moved into lockdown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we all wondered if…

LOU KENNY Yoga teacher, 60 Melbourne mum of two Lou does yoga all day long – but not in a studio. A firm believer that fitness should be infused in daily life, she takes every opportunity to practise. On Instagram you’ll see her at the beach, in the park, on any structure that can support a pose. “I call it landscape yoga. I could spend an hour or more in a door frame and not get to the other side!” she says, laughing. It wasn’t until after the birth of her first child at age 30 that Lou began Iyengar yoga. “At that time of my life I was in a mess and [my first yoga teacher] said it would give me confidence. I couldn’t see how a physical practice…

I found the letters on the floor. I could easily have missed them, for the floor was deep in paper as though a burglar had visited (though a burglar might well have been more careful than the officers of the New South Wales Trustee and Guardian who were responsible for Kim’s affairs at the time). They had sifted through the contents of her home with so much haste, or so little attention, that they had also missed an envelope full of cash, obviously Kim’s emergency funds, and Kim’s original advance-care directive, both of which lay hidden amongst the years-old receipts and correspondence. There was a dusty letter from Don Chipp, the former Liberal Cabinet Minister who had left Federal Parliament and founded a new political party, the Australian Democrats, in…

As he swayed through the streets of Bangkok aboard a gilded litter, Thailand’s newly-crowned King Maha Vajiralongkorn looked down on scenes of deference and rejoicing. Last May’s spectacular coronation had been months in the planning, and the 67-year-old king, despite a reputation for quirkiness, seemed settled on a smooth transition. Almost nothing since has followed in the discreet ways of the 800-year-old monarchy. Insiders speak of a court in chaos, feuds, betrayals and conspiracies, as four-times married Maha purges the royal ranks, promotes his favourites and seeks to establish himself as a near-absolute monarch. Prominent among the casualties is the king’s ‘official concubine’, Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, a glamorous 34-year-old former bodyguard, whom he dismissed after publicly accusing her of “disloyalty and ingratitude”. Known around the palace as Koi, the willowy martial…

What crazy, uncharted waters we’ve all been sailing through… Like many of you, I’ve been yearning for the simple life I experienced as a child. This yearning, especially for nostalgic foodie memories, sweeps over me in a benevolent cloud. I do love change and I get restless if things stay the same on the menu for too long. Of course I do have some “must have” food themed traditions – I can’t imagine an Easter without hot cross buns, and the thought of no mince pies at Christmas makes me quite teary eyed. You might think I’ve got an addiction to cinnamon, spicy dried fruit concoctions, but I know it’s more than just the tradition or the aroma, or even the sweet stickiness and taste of these delicious melted buttery…

The latest in skincare, single active serums, can deliver results that are nothing short of stunning, with no impossible promises. They come in lab-style bottles with simple labels listing the active ingredients inside. Wherever you shop – Priceline, Myer, Mecca – there are shelves lined with everything from AHAs to zinc. They are upfront, potent, empower us to pick and mix our own favourites and can be surprisingly affordable. And yet, they’re still utterly baffling, unless you know what to look for. New brand The Inkey List, available in New Zealand through Sephora, helps demystify actives with dictionary-style information on the box, right down to pronunciation. Skin coaching is also becoming a popular service: former nurse, microbiologist and university lecturer, Dr Michele Squire, turned her passion for cutting through confusing…

If you’re a happy cherry picker, or you love a shelf crammed with serums, then this is the skincare for you. Now, get your actives to where they’re needed (in your skin!) MAXIMISE PENETRATION Cleanse thoroughly first and use an AHA serum once or twice a week to clear any dead skin cells that can hamper penetration. NEXT, START LAYERING “Go from the thinnest to thickest textured product,” says Desiree Stordahl, co-author of The Best Skin Of Your Life Starts Here, who researches skincare ingredients at Paula’s Choice. “There’s really no limit. As long as your skin does well with each of those ingredients you can layer away (or mix them together) as much as you want.” THERE’S NO NEED TO WAIT...  between layers for serums to sink in, unless…

Children and babies often suffer rashes and sensitivity as they come into contact with potential new allergens every day. Supporting the skin barrier with gentle skincare and moisturiser helps keep irritation to a minimum. Avoid irritants like many essential oils, and use skincare products that are pH balanced, dermatologist tested and not too fragranced. Teens can be ravaged by hormones, which inflame the skin on the face, chest and back. Instead of banning moisturiser and scrubbing the skin, try to keep skin calm, dial down the redness and help it heal. Soap- and SLS-free cleansers are a great start, while a light clay mask weekly will help absorb excess oil. Dabbing on Tea Tree Oil (5% concentration) can reduce the number of spots but can be irritating, so go easy.…

Q My 70-year-old mother recently discovered she has osteoarthritis in her spine. Is there any way that she can alleviate the pain or reverse the disease with diet and lifestyle? L.A., Qld. Osteoarthritis is a common cause of back pain in older age. It is not possible to reverse the process but the pain needs to be managed. Maintaining activity, with an exercise program supervised by a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist, is important. Acupuncture, massage therapy and Tai Chi may help. Medication for pain relief may be necessary. Q I don’t usually have the flu jab because I’m only 48 and healthy. Should I consider it this year to help protect against coronavirus? Does being sick with a common cold or flu make you more susceptible to coronavirus? R. E.,…

Pumpkin loaf Boil 500g chopped, peeled butternut pumpkin for 8 minutes or until tender; drain. Transfer to a bowl; mash with a fork. Cool. Make dough for Basic White Bread (see recipe, above), using ⅓ cup warm water and ¼ cup milk; add the mashed pumpkin after the yeast mixture in step 2. Continue as directed in the recipe. Serve with sweet or savoury toppings. Olive loaf Make dough for Basic White Bread (see recipe, above), adding ⅔ cup chopped pitted green Sicilian olives and 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary in Step 2. At the end of Step 4, dust the top of the loaf with 1 tablespoon fine polenta. Continue as directed in the recipe. Serve with savoury toppings. Seeded loaf Make dough for Basic White Bread (see…

Five-spice powder MAKES 50g PREP TIME 5 MINUTES 2 cinnamon sticks 3 star anise 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns ½ teaspoon fennel seeds 2 cloves Combine all ingredients in a spice grinder and process until a powder. Store in an airtight container. Singapore noodles The dried rice noodles used here are best cooked with very little or no sauce as they tend to absorb liquid and go soggy. Curry powder is not often used in Chinese cooking but it is a delicious addition to this moreish noodle dish. SERVES 4 TO SHARE PREP AND COOK TIME 20 MINUTES 250g vermicelli noodles 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 red onion, finely chopped 1 green capsicum, finely sliced 150g raw medium prawns, peeled and deveined 1 tablespoon curry powder 2 teaspoons light soy sauce…

“This special occasion cake is divine! Its heady perfume from the rose honey syrup is quite something .” Persian love cake SERVES 14 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR 45 MINUTES (+ COOLING AND OVERNIGHT REFRIGERATION TIME) You will need to start this recipe a day ahead to drain the yoghurt to make the deliciously thick yoghurt icing. 6 eggs, separated ½ teaspoon cream of tartar 1½ cups (330g) caster sugar 250g butter, melted, cooled 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon rind 1 teaspoon ground cardamom 3⅓ cups (400g) almond meal 1½ cups (200g) gluten-free self-raising flour ¾ cup (270g) honey 2 tablespoons lemon juice 6 figs (360g), halved ¼ cup (4g) dried rose petals ¼ cup (35g) coarsely chopped pistachios YOGHURT ICING 2kg Greek yoghurt ½ cup (80g) gluten-free icing…

Let it shine Windows bring natural light into the home – a sure-fire mood booster – so let them do their job. You don’t have to swamp them with curtains and blinds, especially if they’re south-facing or not overlooked. “It’s amazing how many people have curtains and blinds that cover 30 per cent of the window,” says Sarah. “It stunts the proportions of the room. I like to see the sky! Mount blinds above the window frame so that when they stack up, you don’t lose the top part.” Make rooms feel different There’s nothing like someone entering your home for the first time and saying, “This feels like you.” But individual rooms can have distinct personalities – so choose different materials, colours and furniture styles for various moods. Monochrome…

Mum-of-three Ellen Alpsten, 48, was raised in Kenya, where her father worked as a vet and her mother was a teacher. “I grew up in a steady halo of light and love, the youngest of three children and the only daughter,” she tells The Weekly. “Storytelling is very popular in Africa, as memories and myths are passed on orally. My two brothers were at boarding school, so in the afternoon, at home, I dressed up my four dogs and three cats, made them sit down and listen to my stories.” Aged 18, Ellen moved to Paris to study and won the Grand Ecole short story competition. In London she worked as a TV presenter and wrote her debut novel, Tsarina.…

WHAT YOU NEED ● A ready-made canvas ● Ruler ● Pencil and some paper ● Low-tack masking tape ● Testpot brush ● Small roller and foam sleeves ● Resene testpots in Resene Liberty, Resene Half Dusted Blue, Resene Bubble N Squeak, Resene Triple Sea Fog, Resene Double Pravda, Resene Alabaster. Top tip: Use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process. 1 Work out your colour scheme, allowing for six colours. We used Resene Liberty, Resene Half Dusted Blue, Resene Bubble N Squeak, Resene Triple Sea Fog, Resene Double Pravda and Resene Alabaster. 2 With a pencil and ruler, draw the lines of the artwork onto the canvas, using the template below. 3 Mask each block of colour one-by-one and use a small foam roller to paint the colour smoothly.…

As I write this, life is slowly starting to return to something approaching normal. Parks are reopening, cafes and restaurants tentatively unstack chairs and kids frantically search for missing pieces of their school uniforms. In-person catch-ups are being planned and office workers contemplate the daunting reality of retiring the tracksuit pants and trainers in favour of leather shoes and suits. I’m starting to wonder if I’ll even fit into my ‘work’ clothes, such has been my isolation comfort eating, and don’t get me started on wearing make-up again. It has been well documented how this pandemic sparked a return to traditional pastimes; from baking bread and knitting to growing vegies. What I’ve also noticed is how it has driven a leap in the adoption of new technologies. My mother and…

Princess Charlotte will never forget the year she turned five. Birthdays in COVID-19 lockdown are challenging families all over the world to think creatively. Video-link parties and quiet at-home celebrations are the order of the day for most, but for the Cambridge family it’s also a time when duty calls. Kate, William and their three children have been holed up at Anmer Hall, their country house in Norfolk, but royal work continues, and if anything we have seen more of the Cambridge children at this time. “There have been ups and downs, probably like lots of families,” Kate revealed in a BBC video interview discussing how the three siblings are coping with news of the virus. “George is much older than Louis but they are aware ... You don’t want…

Losing a child is the worst thing that can happen to a parent and for Rachael and Jonny Casella it was both devastating and a turning point. Their beautiful daughter, Mackenzie, was seven months and 11 days old when she left this world on October 22, 2017. But even though her body failed her, baby Mackenzie’s legacy is proving to be immortal. Rachael believes that Mackenzie chose them to be the guardians of her soul. And despite everything, she says baby “Kenzie” has taught her to be a better person, to choose love over conflict, gratitude over struggle and most of all, to have a perspective that serves her every single day. Rachael couldn’t protect her baby girl from her fate, but she wants to protect future babies and parents…

As COVID-19 swirled, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s last day as working members of the royal family came and passed. On March 31 the couple posted a final message, signing off from their SussexRoyal platforms. In deference to the times a statement from the couple noted, “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex would prefer that … the focus remains on the global response to COVID-19. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will spend the next few months focusing on their family and continuing to do what they can, safely and privately, to support and work with their pre-existing charitable commitments while developing their future non-profit organisation.” It’s called Archewell, from the Greek word arche, the inspiration for their son’s name. “To do something of meaning … something that matters.…

While we’ve all been in isolation, letter writing has had a resurgence. In these days of digital and electronic communication, knowing that a friend or neighbour has taken the time to write a letter on personalised stationery is a rare joy. It’s a pleasure bettered only by the act of writing and posting one. Get the kids to include notes, drawings, stickers and stamps. It’s sure to bring a smile to all who receive them, especially grandparents.…

It is clear that talking and reflecting while we are in a phase of change is key if we are to fulfil our potential and thrive. It is important that we take a holistic approach and become aware of how everything we choose to do, or not do, has an impact. The 8 Pillars of Strength is a framework to find the attitudes, the ways of being and the good habits that will help build our strength to manage the highs and lows throughout our lives. I cannot state strongly enough how important it is for each of us to develop our own toolbox of support, to find our own particular way of doing this. It requires work to build the pillars, and commitment to keep going. They work best…

PREP TIME 5 MINUTES COOK TIME 35 MINUTES MAKES A LARGE LOAF APPROXIMATELY 20 SLICES 4 eggs 1 cup sugar 1 cup flour ½ teaspoon baking powder plus extra ¼ cup sugar to sprinkle 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C. Generously spray a 10 x 20 x 7cm deep loaf tin with baking spray. Dust the tin with the extra sugar, shaking out any excess that doesn’t stick to the surface. 2 With an electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugar together until very thick and pale. Mix in the flour and baking powder then pour into the prepared tin. Sprinkle a little extra sugar over the top surface and bake for 30 – 35 minutes until well risen and rather cracked on the top. 3 Cool on a wire…

Dryness LOOK FOR ceramides, non-fragrant plant oils TRY Natio Ageless Rosehip Oil Cold Pressed, $24. Dehydration LOOK FOR hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 TRY Alpha H Hyaluronic 8 Serum, $52, from Sephora. Congestion LOOK FOR BHAs TRY The Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acid Exfoliant, $23 from Sephora. Firmness LOOK FOR retinol, peptides, adenosine TRY Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil, $47. Oiliness LOOK FOR zinc, niacinamide TRY The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, $13. Lines, wrinkles LOOK FOR retinol, peptides TRY Paula’s Choice Peptide Booster, $73 from paulaschoice.com.au Roughness LOOK FOR AHAs TRY O Cosmedics O-Biotics Multi-Functional Peel 14% Lactic Acid, $79. Blotches LOOK FOR kojic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C TRY Dermalogica BioLumin-C Serum, $159.…

The immune system is a silent wonder. While we are very aware of our hearts beating and the breaths we take, we are much less aware of our immune system and the many jobs it performs to keep us well. This mighty system protects our health by resisting infections, maintaining order and balance in our bodies, and healing wounds. It is our foundation to wellbeing. Despite its immense power, we often hear calls to ‘boost’ our immune system through food, exercise or a wellbeing practice. Although there remains much to learn about its interconnectedness and intricacies, to function well the whole system requires balance, not boosting. Yet clearly the goal is to avoid succumbing to seasonal lurgies and to get swiftly back on our feet, so let’s have a look…

Sadly, our oral health is slipping. Earlier this year, The Australian Dental Association (ADA) found that the number of adults with periodontal pockets (a cause of tooth loss), untreated tooth decay, and tooth aches have all shot up in the past two years. And only 53 per cent of us are brushing twice a day! Adding to this is the stress of lockdown that can impact our smiles in more ways than one. Unchecked anxiety can contribute to mouth ulcers and cold sores, says the ADA. Also, we might try coping by falling into unhealthy habits. Passing the cookie jar or pouring one more glass of wine can feel very comforting. Then there’s that all-important daily oral care, which can be overlooked when we’re out of our usual routine, and…

EASE YOUR LOAD If you’re finding life a little unsettling or stressful right now, there are a few simple things you can do each day to calm your mind. Take a couple of minutes to notice your breathing five times a day, and every evening do something that takes your mind off work and the stresses of your life: a long bath, reading a novel, gardening or yoga. Research by the University of Michigan suggests that taking walks in nature is associated with a whole host of mental health benefits, including decreased depression, improved wellbeing and mental health and lower stress levels. Take a couple of minutes to focus on your breathing five times a day. Memories are made of... When our neighbour Australia experienced devastating bushfires, it had a…

Pork sausage minestrone SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 8 HOURS 250g pork and fennel sausages 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 large (200g) onion, chopped finely 1 medium (120g) carrot, cut into 2cm pieces 2 (300g) celery stalks, cut into 2cm pieces 3 cloves garlic, crushed 2 teaspoons fennel seeds ½ teaspoon dried chilli flakes 400g can cherry tomatoes 1.5 litres (6 cups) chicken stock 2 small sprigs rosemary 60g soup pasta 400g can chickpeas, drained, rinsed ½ bunch (100g) cavolo nero, leaves stripped, chopped coarsely ⅔ cup (50g) finely grated parmesan 1 Squeeze the sausage meat from the casings in small pieces onto a plate lined with baking paper. Heat oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the sausage meat, turning, for 5…

• Prove the dough in a warm draft-free place. If the temperature in the kitchen is chilly, place the bowl of dough loosely covered in the oven (not turned on). Put a dish of boiling water onto the bottom shelf. The warmth and steam will help the dough to rise. • To freeze baked loaves, cool bread as quickly as possible; pack in freezer bags and expel all air. Place in the freezer as soon as possible. It’s a good idea to slice the bread before you freeze it, that way you can take out as much as you need each time. Correctly wrapped bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.…

“Let food be thy medicine and let medicine be thy food.” Hippocrates’ famous quote, as well as evidence from many other ancient cultures such as the Ayurvedic tradition, proves that the link between diet, lifestyle and our health has been well known for thousands of years. Yet despite this, chronic disease is still the major cause of illness and mortality worldwide. A chronic disease is a long-lasting health condition such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis or diabetes. Some of the major risk factors that you can control are what you eat, how much energy (or kilojoules) you consume and the amount of exercise and activity you do. Well what about genetics, you might ask? You can’t control that! Studies have shown that genetics do play a role in chronic disease…

Yarn wrapped branches WHAT YOU NEED • Wool and cotton twine scraps in various colours • Branches cut to desired lengths, pruned and cleaned • Crafting glue • Scissors 1 Decide which parts of the branch you want covered. You can go for full coverage or leave areas of the natural wood exposed. Lay your yarn or twine across the branch horizontally and tie a simple knot to keep in place. 2 Begin wrapping the yarn or twine around the branch, with each wrap lying directly next the previous one, but not overlapping it. You will be wrapping over the tail that is tied to the branch. 3 After you have wrapped 4cm or so, cut off the tail near your wrapped section. The remainder of the tail will be…

A cut above When cutting scone dough, don’t twist the cutter or the result will be an unevenly risen batch. Simply dip the cutter in plain flour, press down, then lift up and gently press out. • Plan of a-stack When fridge space is at a premium, lay a couple of chopsticks from edge to edge across the top of a foil or plastic-wrapped container to enable something else to be stacked safely on top. • Second life Got an excess of old polypropylene shopping bags? Fill or partially fill them with potting mix and give them a new life as “grow bags” for flowers, herbs and vegies – they drain well and can be moved at will. • Get organised To free up kitchen drawer space, hang small items,…

Artist NORA HEYSEN, A PORTRAIT by Anne-Louise Willoughby, Fremantle Press The first woman winner of the Archibald Prize in 1938 (the second, Judy Cassab, would not win until 1960); Heysen was a trailblazer in many fields. An army captain, she also became Australia’s first female official war artist in 1943. Daughter of Australia’s best known landscape artist Hans Heysen, her talents were not widely recognised for much of her life due to social constraints. Willoughby had unprecedented access to archives, family and friends. Heysen loved strong coffee, which she served guests in brown Derby mugs. “She would throw great chunks of mince to butcher birds and magpies and pigeons. They were all equal. She was very democratic.” Romantic poet THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF BYRON by Emily…

Saving for retirement is one of our biggest financial worries. According to the Real Concerns Index, commissioned by Real Insurance, the rising cost of living, having time to save, and maintaining a certain standard of living all weigh heavily. Add in the COVID-19 pandemic throwing plans into disarray and the stress has only built. Luckily, experts assure us it’s not too late to retool your plan to secure your future. Make it count The government’s Moneysmart website (moneysmart.gov.au) has a great tool to help calculate retirement income based on your salary. The table above shows how much you need to maintain a “comfortable retirement” which includes “a broad range of leisure activities”, or a more modest retirement. If you’re concerned you’re not going to have enough money and are expecting…

“We cannot direct the wind but we can adjust the sails.”– DOLLY PARTON C. Overton, Longueville, NSW. LETTER of the MONTH I have noticed a minor change in the fashion section where the models are a mix of young and more mature, and I think it’s fantastic (Country Style, NZAWW, April)! Still beautiful, vibrant and trendy. We get older on the outside although we still feel like that 23-year-old we once were on the inside. Good on you NZAWW for making us feel good about our age, at any age. D. Walls, via email. A GREAT COMFORT In experiencing our life differently, I have found my elderly mum is finding great comfort in reading her collection of The Australian Women’s Weekly’s. She has lovingly kept many issues over the years…

The first interview took place in a Ponsonby cafe, still busy enough at 11am on a weekday that we opted for the private dining room, away from the bang and hiss of the coffee machine, the scraping of cutlery, the hum of conversation – unwanted white noise that, back then, we were wrong in thinking we’d never miss. It was the day the government announced a ban on public gatherings of over 500 people. Or maybe it was 100. The weeks blur together now but let’s just say that at the time, the New Zealanders who appeared most inconvenienced by the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic were brides whose weddings hung in the balance. This was not the reality, of course. Even then, all around the country, politicians and economists and business…

As a little girl, Sigrid Thornton was blithely unaware of the vicious death threats targeting her family. Aged six, she was still too young to realise the police cars parked in their quiet suburban street were lurking to protect her radical parents from their political enemies. It was March 1965, and Sigrid’s feisty, outspoken, audacious mother was making national news – and becoming a feminist icon in the process. Merle Thornton and friend Ro Bogner had sent shockwaves through the establishment after chaining themselves to the bar of Brisbane’s landmark Regatta Hotel, demanding that women be allowed to drink there alongside men. “Mum has never exactly been a shrinking violet,” laughs Sigrid, whose iconic roles play like a greatest-hits reel of Australian film and television, from The Man From Snowy…

We’ve all heard of Gloria Steinem, the charismatic poster girl for America’s feminist movement, founding editor of Ms magazine and ardent activist in the battle to legalise abortion, but Phyllis Schlafly – who is she? Phyllis was in many ways Gloria’s nemesis, a conservative self-professed homemaker whose grass roots campaign against what should have been a shoo-in amendment securing equal rights for women – and men – was not only audacious, it succeeded. The seemingly prim pillar of the right is the subject of Foxtel’s superb nine-part series Mrs America starring the cream of Aussie acting, Cate Blanchett and Rose Byrne – and interestingly it is the buttoned-up right-winger who steals the show. In pastel A-line dresses and soft knits, her hair an undulating bouffant up-do with chaste kiss-curls, Cate’s…

Kim family bloodline Spouse, mistress or consort Kim Il Sung (1912-1994) Founder of North Korea, which he ruled from 1948-94. Kim Jong Suk (1918-1949) Kim Song Ae (1924-2014) WIFE Kim Young Sook (1947-2011) Chosen by Kim Il Sung for his son. MISTRESS Song Hye Rim (1937-2002) A popular North Korean film star. MISTRESS Ko Yong Hui (1952-2004) A Mansudae Art Troupe dancer. Kim Jong Il (1941-2011) Took over as leader in 1994. Kim Kyong Hui (born 1946) High-ranking party official. Jang Song Thaek (1946-2013) Executed by firing squad in a purge. Kim Sul Song (born 1974) Her father’s favourite child. Kim Han Sol (born 1995) Kim Jong Nam (1971›2017) Assassinated in Malaysia. Kim Jimmy (born 1997) Ri Sol Ju (born 1989) First Lady, kept out of the public eye. Kim…

I wasn’t ready to die at 35. Wholly unprepared for that, in fact. I had just turned the page on a new chapter in my life – moving from London to North America, transporting myself out of the isolated confines of my head and into the great open wilderness – specifically because I needed to find a way to live, rather than merely exist. Instead, I had stumbled towards oblivion. Not quite three months into my travels, I was out on a hike in California’s Joshua Tree National Park (something I’d been doing plenty of) when I slipped off a high boulder, smashing my pelvis to pieces. I couldn’t so much as sit up, there was no phone signal, and I hadn’t told anyone where I was going. I had…

Fashion Finishing touch…

AHAs: Alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic/lactic). Refresh skin. Antioxidants: Vitamins and extracts that reduce damage – a must for everyone. Ceramides: Lipids. Moisturise, repair. Hyaluronic acid: Humectant. Hydrates and plumps. Niacinamide: Vitamin B3. Eases dark spots, oiliness. Peptides: Proteins. Builds collagen. Resveratrol: Antioxidant that also calms redness. Retinol: Vitamin A. Builds collagen, refreshes skin. Salicylic acid: A beta hydroxy acid (BHA). Exfoliates. Tocopherol: Vitamin E. An antioxidant that also moisturises. Vitamin C: An antioxidant that also brightens. Zinc: A mineral that reduces oiliness. For more, search the Ingredient Dictionary at paulaschoice. com.au.…

Used for generations, this trio has stood the test of time, but it does not cure a cold and actual evidence for it speeding up recovery is quite thin – with the exception of honey, which was found to be more effective as a cough suppressant for children when tested against dextromethorphan (the active ingredient in most cough medicines). In fact, UK guidelines now recommend honey first, not antibiotics, for treatment of coughs. Scientific evidence aside, combined in a hot drink, this age-old super-trio does soothe and hydrate, and may be a viable and cheaper alternative to over-the-counter pharmaceuticals.…

Trying a No Meat Month? “Wholefood plant proteins (WPPs) like tofu, legumes, nuts and seeds are high in fibre so they’re really filling, and low in saturated fat,” says dietitian Dr Kate Marsh. Her how-to: • Adults need 2 to 3.5 serves per day (e.g. 1 cup legumes, 170g tofu or 30g nuts/seeds). • WPPs are good sources of fibre, iron and zinc. • There is no need to combine plant proteins in each meal. Eat a variety over the day. • Adding pseudograins such as quinoa and buckwheat will boost your protein intake. • A healthy plate is half vegetables/salad, a quarter plant protein and a quarter wholegrains. Try nut butter on wholegrain toast with fruit; chickpea salad or tofu and vegetable stir-fry with brown rice. • Vitamin B12…

Basic white bread PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR (+ STANDING TIME) MAKES 18 SLICES Bread is best eaten fresh on day of making or can be frozen for up to 3 months. 3 teaspoons (10g) dried yeast ⅔ cup (160ml) warm water 2 teaspoons caster sugar 2½ cups (375g) plain flour 1 teaspoon table salt 30g butter, melted ½ cup (125ml) warm milk 1 Combine yeast, the water and sugar in a small bowl until yeast dissolves. Cover; stand in a warm place for 10 minutes or until mixture is frothy. 2 Sift flour and salt into a large bowl; stir in butter, milk and yeast mixture. Knead dough in an electric mixer with the dough hook fitted (follow the mixer’s instruction booklet) or by hand on a floured…

1. Spinach, potato and coconut soup SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 30 MINUTES Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced medium (170g) onion, 2 finely chopped garlic cloves, and half a teaspoon of ground cumin. Cook for 5 minutes or until the onion is soft and translucent. Add 250g frozen spinach, 2 cups (500ml) vegetable stock and 1 medium (200g) potato that has been peeled and finely diced. Cover saucepan, adjust heat to low and simmer gently for 15 minutes or until potato is tender. Stir through a 400ml can of coconut milk, season to taste with sea salt and ground white pepper and simmer for a further 5 minutes. Serve soup with warm naan bread or pappadums. 2. Spinach…

Historical fiction Tsarina by Ellen Alpsten, Bloomsbury Before Catherine the Great, there was Catherine I, the all-powerful Russian Empress who was catapulted from serfdom to the highest position in the land. Her story is shocking and in UK-based author Ellen Alpsten’s intoxicating hands it’s also a vicious, bloody, sexy romp. This is fearless historical fiction with a sharp contemporary frisson which offers a thought-provoking vision of the brutal, knife-edge lot of women at the time. The illegitimate, illiterate servant has captivated the author since she first found her in a history book when she was 13. “I wanted to learn more about Catherine but couldn’t. There was no book, no thesis, no biography, no novel, no nothing,” says Ellen. “Yet her reign set the scene for all that was to…

Love story DESIRE LINES by Felicity Volk, Hachette Can true love conquer all? This is the question at the heart of Australian author Felicity Volk’s deeply affecting debut novel, and the answer is complex and devastating. Set over five decades from 1952 and told in alternating narratives, we piece together the stories of Paddy and Evie. Paddy O’Connor’s childhood is shocking – abused first by his father and then by the nuns at the catholic home where his mum is forced to leave him and finally in Australia on a children’s farm. That underlying trauma contaminates everything in his adult life. Evie is raised in secure middle-class Canberra and follows her passion to become a famous landscaper. An unconventional love story follows as Evie and Paddy come together and…