Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2015 i Better Homes and Gardens Australia

Available in two colourways, each kit features a selection of symbolic colours, some dyed exclusively for these throws. The wool kits include 100% Australian wool made by the Wangaratta Woollen Mills, which began operating shortly after WWI. Choose your kit: Shades of our Forces (100% Australian wool) 30 Cleckheaton Country 8 ply 50g balls Shades of khaki (100% Australian wool) 30 Cleckheaton Country 8 ply 50g balls OR Shades of our Forces (100% premium acrylic) 14 Panda Thorobred 8 ply 100g balls Shades of khaki (100% premium acrylic) 14 Panda Thorobred 8 ply 100g balls WOOL KIT $100 CODE: CY70253 ACRYLIC KIT $49 CODE: PY70253 WOOL KIT $100 CODE: CY70251 ACRYLIC KIT $49 CODE: PY70251 Included in your throw kit: 30 balls of wool yarn 8 ply 50g or 14…

When it’s cold outside, there’s no better feeling than snuggling up in a nice, comfortable bed. But ‘comfortable’ can mean something different to everyone. That’s why the stylish and affordable range of IKEA quilts comes in a variety of warmth levels and fillings, including polyester, microfibre and down. And the IKEA pillow collection is available in firmer and softer versions, as well as in a range of materials from feathers to memory foam. So whether you prefer feeling cosy or cool, softly cushioned or firmly supported, you’ll find your perfect quilt and pillow combination at your local IKEA store – all at a price you’ll love. PILLOWS THAT MATCH THE WAY YOU SLEEP FOR MORE WAYS TO GET A PERFECT NIGHT’S SLEEP, VISIT US IN-STORE OR AT IKEA.COM.AU/BEDROOMS Connect with…

Named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow, bearded irises are low-fuss, pleasantly scented and available in tall, intermediate and dwarf varieties, with dwarf forms flowering from late winter and tall varieties peaking in late spring or early summer. Once the blooms have disappeared, their attractive, sword-shaped foliage continues to provide year-round colour and interest. How do I grow them? Climate Irises thrive in temperate climates, but also grow well in cool, even cold, areas. As Mediterranean natives, they like their summers hot and dry, and winters cool. Their rhizomes (underground stems) require sufficient heating and cooling time in order to flower. Most are frost tolerant and a few varieties even require frost to induce blooming. Aspect Choose a planting spot that basks in full sun, but still offers protection…

When you live in country Australia, gardening takes on a new degree of difficulty. Dry soils and an unpredictable water supply mean plants need to be tough to survive, and landscaping ideas have to adapt to the conditions. That doesn’t mean you can’t produce something fabulous – look at this creative landscape in the high country of Victoria. Begun five years ago, it shows what can be done in the toughest environments. Genesis of a garden Work with what you have – that was the simple guiding principle behind Ray Bryan’s garden, when he first turned the ground back in 2010. Situated on top of a hill near Lake Eildon in Victoria, the land is hot and dry in summer, cold in winter, and exposed to year-round winds. After narrowly…

More than just a practical route through the garden (or to your clothesline), paths can become features, too. They can make the journey just as important as the destination. All you need to do is choose pavers in harmony with the look of your home and surround them with suitable plants. Groundcovers lend themselves to this type of planting because they are hardy, low-growing and spread easily. As for paving, if you are going for a contemporary feel, choose structured pavers, but for a more relaxed, informal look, sawn sandstone flagging is an ideal choice. STONE PATH Gather your supplies Mixed sizes of sawnsandstone flaggingRiver sandGarden soilFine mulchSelection of groundcover plants You’ll also need Rake; shovel; wheelbarrow steps Here’s how STEP 1 Prepare site by removing any vegetation, mulch and…

Peanut butter and banana ice-cream Preparation time: 10 mins plus overnight freezing plus 1 hr extra freezing Cooking time: nil Makes about 800ml 4 large, very overripe bananas with black skins, peeled, cut into thirds ¼ cup smooth peanut butter Juice of ½ lemon 250ml vanilla ice-cream, softened 2 Tbsp maple syrup ²/ ³ cup salted roasted peanuts, finely chopped 1 Put banana in a large zip-lock bag and freeze overnight. 2 Put frozen banana, peanut butter and lemon juice in the bowl of a food processor and process for 30 seconds. Add ice-cream and process until smooth. 3 Put ½ of the ice-cream mixture in a 1L freezer-safe container or five 200ml freezer-safe containers. Top with ½ of the maple syrup and scatter over ½ of the peanuts. Add…

We might have muffin in our name but did you know that Muffin Break is about far more than muffins? Our bakers are up early every morning and in-store preparing a wide range of freshly baked savoury items, including Gourmet Tartlets, handmade wraps and more. Introducing our latest savoury selection – Tantalising Turkish Breads. These premium sandwiches are the perfect excuse for a lunch break. Yes, remember those? Why not visit us in-store to see today’s freshly made Turkish bread varieties and try one toasted? You deserve it. 6 TANTALISING TURKISH BREADS There are six sumptuous varieties in the range including: • Chicken Caesar – succulent chicken with bacon, egg and parmesan cheese • Ham, Brie & Tomato – honey ham with juicy truss tomato and creamy brie • Grilled…

Better Homes and Gardens is excited to announce our new partnership with Naked Wines. This innovative company funds talented Aussie winemakers and gives them the freedom to make wines the way they want to. Naked Wines also funds smaller operators to assist in giving them support to match the big players. Meet Sam, just one of our Naked winemakers Sam (above) nearly gave it all up when he lost his family vineyard in an unexpected buyout. His career as a winemaker was hanging in the balance when Naked Wines approached him in 2012 to provide life-changing financial backing. Sam is now one of the most popular makers in the Naked stable, and this year is producing 30,000 cases. ‘Wine is my hobby as well as my job,’ he says. ‘It’s…

Inspiration can come from anywhere, but having a creative space with all the tools you need is the perfect environment to get those creative juices flowing. This Mother’s Day Brother wants to help inspire you with amazing offers and crafty projects that will help to bring your creative ideas to life From concept and design stage through to the fin shed product, Brother is with you all the way MAKE YOUR WORK STATION WORK for you Look to nature Fresh flowers and indoor plants not only look beautiful, but can provide endless inspiration to experiment with natural shapes, patterns and textures. Get motivated Keep your favourite quotes near your work station and use them to drive your creativity. Change them around regularly to keep them fresh! Scan, cut…

When it comes to colour, this project is all about going hard or going home! Inspired by the colourful decoration of The Memphis Group, an Italian design and architecture set of the 80s, the look is back with this easy furniture revamp. We all know a credenza’s best assets are its legs, so show them off by turning your dining room piece into a work of art. LOVELY LEGS Gather your supplies Selection of raw timber furniture legs, bun feet and decorative finials, to suit 3/8" vertical leg plates with screws (1 per leg) 3/8" 63mm furniture studs or hanger bolts (1 per leg) Credenza of your choice (we used an assembled flat pack by Kaboodle) You’ll also need Handsaw (optional); fine-grit sandpaper; large drop sheet; face mask; Dulux Duramax…

Efficient storage, with care labels at your fingertips for dealing with stubborn stains, are part of what makes a well-designed, clutter-free laundry that will cater to your every washday need. And even if all you have is a laundry in a cupboard, scaled to suit, these ideas will make the most out of the tiniest of spaces. Download your free laundry-care labels, which can be laminated at Officeworks or a similar store, by visiting bhg.com.au/caretags 1. Take a leaf out of kitchen design and house your appliances in deep base units. The bench above provides you with a surface for folding, while open shelves offer hamper storage for clean laundry. 2. Invest in a wall-mounted, pull-out drying rack for delicates. When not in use, it collapses to a few centimetres…

You can’t go past a custom-built unit to sort out the clutter in a garage if you want to build it yourself. It fits the space perfectly and you can make the height of the shelves suit your needs. This unit also includes a fold-out bench. Made of inexpensive pine and plywood, it is the perfect job for novice DIYers – and because it’s in the garage it’s a great first project. Easy step-by-step to garage storage STEP 1 Build simple, ladder-like frames to fit your space. The placement of the ‘rungs’ will determine where shelves will be. STEP 2 Measure and cut required number of plywood shelves to size, and rest on the frames. STEP 3 Make a frame to hold your fold-out bench. Cut ply to make the…

HOLD THE SALT Australians are eating too much salt, according to a recent survey. Adding salt on top of what’s already found in processed, takeaway and junk food is causing nearly two in three Australians to exceed their daily upper limit. This can lead to hypertension (otherwise known as high blood pressure), which is a major risk factor for heart disease. So think twice before you salt up, and add more fresh wholefoods to your diet. Have an avo A new study has revealed eating an avocado a day as part of a moderate-fat diet is almost twice as effective as following a lower-fat diet in reducing ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol. This is a good reason to swap saturated fats, such as butter, for heart-healthy monounsaturated fats like avocado. It’s as…

Update your CV, and network with trusted colleagues, friends and family about the career you’re pursuing. Set aside time to apply for jobs and prepare for interviews. Update your knowledge of your industry, your company and the key players, as they might have changed while you were away. Use education to your advantage. Look for opportunities to develop relevant skills in your new role. Boost your confidence with the right qualification. Consider flexible options, like studying online or part-time, so it’s easier to fit it in around your current workload. Make sure your qualification is nationally recognised.…

Salami with pesto Preparation time: 15 mins Cooking time: 15 mins Makes 1 pizza 1 ball Classic Pizza Dough(see page 28 )¹/ ³ cup Classic Tomato Sauce(see page 35 )60g mozzarella, torn intobite-size pieces1 ripe tomato, thinly sliced4 thin slices (about 80g)mild or hot sopressa salami,cut into thick strips2 Tbsp basil pesto (see recipefor homemade pesto below)12 small basil leaves,to garnish¹/8 tsp dried chilli flakes(optional), to garnish 1 Preheat oven to 240°C. Roll out dough following How To Roll Out Dough on page 31. 2 Spread sauce over dough round, leaving a cm border. Top with ½ of the mozzarella. Arrange tomato and salami on top in a single layer, followed by remaining mozzarella. 3 Bake for 5 minutes or until cheese has melted and pizza dough edge…

Slow cooking in all its deliciousness has just reappeared on my radar. I’ve heard its praises sung for years now and, indeed, have sung them myself, like I’m an expert! But it’s really only because of this issue I have begun in earnest to be a dedicated slow cooker again. And it’s everything those praises claim it is and more. Now, its ‘slowness’ would suggest slow in this pacey world of ours, where we need everything pretty much immediately. But it suits the need for speed almost totally so it defies logic, as well as sending your tastebuds rocketing to heaven. In the simplest terms, you prep fast what you want in your dish, toss it all in, set, forget and go about your business. Serving it up is fast,…

Anyone can do an OK job of putting up a fence. But if you want your fence to look good, add value to your home and stand the test of time, you need tough, quality building materials. COLORBOND® steel has almost 50 years of innovation and testing under its belt, and delivers proven durability and performance. Available in 14 different colours that can be coordinated with the colours of your home, there’s a perfect shade for your fence, so it looks as beautiful as it is strong. Plus, its unique finish resists peeling, chipping and cracking, so you know it will last beautifully. TRADIE TIPS COLOUR CHOICE With 14 colours to choose from, you’re sure to nd something to complement the rest of your home – particularly those highly visible…

Tucking into a plate of slow-cooked food is just like receiving a warm embrace from someone you love. Whether it’s an old favourite or a new take on a classic, there’s a recipe for everyone on these pages – even desserts! Choose from sensational dishes cooked in the oven, in a slow cooker, or on the stovetop, all ready to be made with winter-warming love. in the oven Classic fave Red wine and peppercorn beef stew with parsley dumplings Tender beef cooked in a bottle of red wine is made all the more rich and delicious with soft, fluffy dumplings that soak up the decadent sauce. Want to skip the dumplings? Serve up the beef at the end of Step 3 with creamy mashed potato instead. Kids’ fave Sticky, smoky,…

You want to ensure any new fence is strong, secure and low-maintenance. Colorbond is a great alternative to timber fencing as it’s incredibly sturdy and available in a wide range of colours and panel patterns. Hire the pros or give the install a go yourself – here’s how… COLORBOND FENCE Gather your supplies Square posts (2)Standard posts of height to suityour fence (2 per fence panel)Bottom railsTop railsInfill sheets (3 per fence panel) Note The fence colour used here is Willow. You’ll also need Post hole digger; concrete mix (2 bags per post hole); wheelbarrow; set-out paint; drill and bits; self-tapping screws; stringline; magnetic spirit level; tin snips; quality garden soil; mulch; selection of plants (we used lilly pillies and salvias) steps Here’s how STEP 1 Demolish old fence, if…

THE 'NEO' Vintage Create a cosy neovintage vibe just in time for the cooler months with dark green and bronze – the latest trend in kitchen colours parsley pesto PAPPARDELLE WITH chanterelles Get this recipe at harveynorman.com.au/palette THE ‘FRESH’ Pastels Give your kitchen a pop of sweetness with retro pastels that look good enough to eat MINI blueberry cheesecakes Get this recipe at harveynorman.com.au/palette THE ‘TRADITIONL’ Spark Turn up the heat with sizzling red and industrial-chic stainless steel tomato & ash GOAT’S CHEESE GALETTE Get this recipe at harveynorman.com.au/palette THE ‘RAW’ Rustic The raw rustic earthy colours bring warmth and heart to any kitchen caramel toffee & coffee TART Get this recipe at harveynorman.com.au/palette SHOP ONLINE WITH YOUR LOCAL STORE HN.COM.AU  OR CALL 1300 464 278 PLEASE VISIT…

Classic pizza dough Preparation time: 20 mins plus 1 hour 15 mins proving dough Makes 2 dough balls 150ml water, at room temperature7g sachet (1 tsp) dried yeast½ tsp caster sugar1¾ cups (260g) strong plain “00” flour1½ tsp sea-salt flakes2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oilExtra strong plain flour, to dustExtra 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil Prepare the yeast 5PM TAKES 10 MINS STEP 1 Put water, yeast and sugar in a small bowl. STEP 2 Stir to combine. STEP 3 Set aside at room temperature for 10 minutes or until frothy. Mix by hand 5:10PM TAKES 15 MINS STEP 4 Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. STEP 5 Make a well in the centre, then pour in oil and yeast mixture. STEP 6 Using your hands, combine…

I love a rich and decadent dessert, especially one that’s so incredibly easy to make. The combination of salty peanuts and sweet banana is just heavenly. Enjoy it on its own, or serve it up with a slice of chocolate cake or pudding. Be sure to use the ripest bananas possible for the best banana flavour. Watch me make this on the Better Homes and Gardens TV show. Check your local TV guide for scheduling info. Go to bhg.com.au/  karenmartini for more fantastic recipes…

Special launch offer EXCLUSIVE TO OUR READERS! Want better wine? Check out our new Better Wine Winter Cellar Collection, offering superb choices full of great value. Better Homes and Gardens has partnered with Naked Wines to bring you mixed cases of quality wine from dedicated winemakers around Australia and New Zealand – all at discounted prices exclusive to BH&G readers. Better Wine Winter Cellar Collection 12 Mixed 12-bottle case valued at $187.38 for only $109.99 (save 41%!) Better Wine Winter Cellar Collection 6 Mixed six-bottle case valued at $113.24 for only $79.99 (save 29%!) For more information, or to buy now, head to bhgshop.com.au…

GINGER CORIANDER BROTH WITH SALMON AND SOBA NOODLES Full of flavour, this simple to prepare dish will impress everyone. TIP: To remove skin from fish, place fillet skin-side down on a chopping board. Using a sharp filleting knife, cut the skin from the flesh, keeping the blade as flat and close to the skin as you can. WARM HOKI AND LENTIL SALAD A beautiful dish of hoki fillets, vine-ripened tomatoes and lentil salad. TIP: Honey can be warmed slightly to aid in the blending of the dressing ingredients. LEMON AND THYME MARINATED BARRAMUNDI WITH SMOKY CHICKPEAS Crispy skinned barramundi fillet on a bed of smoky chickpeas. TIP: For crispy fish, dry any excess moisture from the skin before cooking, skin-side down, in a hot pan. IF YOU DON’T SEE…

These pretty-as-paint ideas are as cheerful as a bagful of lollies – and it’s hard to stop at one! They’re easy to complete in an afternoon and make lovely gifts for those hard-to-buy-for peeps who appreciate DIY craftiness. And being made of timber, they’ll last and last. So cover your bench and roll up your sleeves – there’s wet paint ahead! 1. Air supply Green thumbs and paint-covered fingers unite! Order the bell cups from CleverPatch, paint the rims in bright colours, then seal with gloss lacquer. Add air plants, which require no soil, but do like an occasional mist from a spray bottle. Gorgeous! 2. Picking your palette Copy the colours we used here or create your own delish combo. A tube of white is all you need to…

Calling all you crafters out there! Reclaim your spare room and create the studio of your dreams, loaded with storage and space galore to spread out and get stuck into all those projects you’ve been spying on our pages. Then turn to page 179 and head to the garage to knock up an organisation station – complete with a fold-down workbench – for when your love of crafting turns to a love of power tools. 1. Frame and hang your artistic creations or your favourite prints on small hooks attached to a versatile painted pegboard ‘splashback’ (see page 154). 2. Display all your kids’ art at once! Have them help you use a circle paper cutter to punch a series of rounds from their works. Mount them on white card…

When you are selling your house, you want it to look its best. Put yourself in a potential buyer’s shoes and you will quickly come up with a list of small fix-ups and larger projects that, when completed, will boost your property’s worth. outside Street appeal Material cost $825(plants, mulch, soil) DIY skill level Low Timeframe 4 hours Pay a tradie $2100 Your front garden is the face of your home and the first thing potential buyers will see, so it has to look its best. You don’t have to spend a fortune either! Use extra plants to add life to garden beds, staggering them for the best effect. Spread mulch over any bare soil, buying in bulk rather than bags to save even more. Finish with a welcoming bench…

Want the warehouse look? Then use our tips to cheat this on-trend decorating vibe in your own living room. Introduce hints of dusty grey on your walls and in soft furnishings, lay weathered-look timber flooring, assemble industrial shelving and have your electrician install factory-inspired pendant lights. Then think big and show your guests a bit of lovin’ with a bold triptych to make and hang above your sofa. Think big… 1. This three-panel artwork above the sofa is easy to make yourself. Just paint a large primed canvas with white acrylic paint and let dry. On a large sheet of butcher’s paper, sketch out a cross shape, then tear it out using a ruler along the marked lines to create rough edges. Spray with repositionable adhesive, then position template on…

Restoring your hair’s vitality and gloss is totally achievable. The latest products enable you to quickly turn things around and see great results. So, if your locks are looking lacklustre, consider the possible culprits – chemical treatments such as colouring, mechanical styling, UV rays and pollution – then follow these tips. Add in a couple of game-changing extras and you’ll have gorgeous, glossy hair now and for decades to come. Restore, replenish and rejuvenate Use an intensive mask, formulated to reverse the signs of damaged hair, once a week. Age-Defying Recovery Mask, $45.95/ 120ml, label.m. To keep colour from fading, control frizz and add vitality, use a lightweight serum. Pure Vibrance ColorLast Hair Serum, $35/50ml, Arbonne. For stronger, manageable, soft style-ready hair use a leave-in conditioner. Try Platinum Strength Stay…

1. Sweet smelling glamour. White Eau de Parfum, $135/50ml, Michael Kors. 2. A gorgeous boxed treat. Little Luxuries Body Butter – Marshmallow, $16.95/50g MOR. 3. It’s all in the name. The perfect fragrance for mums. Pink Happiness, $39.95/50ml Revlon. 4. Efficient and fast. Intensive Care Spray Moisturiser Advanced Strength, $9.99/190g, Vaseline. 5. Enjoy softer, lightly scented skin. Paris Perfumed Body Lotion, $88/200ml, Yves Saint Laurent. 6. Low in price, high in pleasure. Rose hand cream, $9.95/ 100ml, Innoxa. 7. Shower time bliss. Jasmin and Bergamote Perfumed Shower Gel, $23/175ml, L’Occitane. 8. Protection against the elements. Weekender Hand Cream – Alpine Loft, $20.95/100ml, Urban Rituelle. 9. Relax for 30 hours. Indulgence Candle with Jasmine and Geranium, $66/30ml, Aromatherapy Associates. 10. Care for her hands. Wellness Hand Cream SPF15, $9.95/100ml, Natio. 11.…

Fresh and clean New Surf combines the cleaning power of Surf with the freshness of five botanical extracts: lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree, pine and mint. It helps to remove bad odours to give your laundry the most gorgeous scent – for a brilliant clean and long-lasting freshness! Child-safe cold relief Colds and flu can play havoc with little ones. Their headaches, body aches, sore throats and fever make daily tasks that much harder. Nurofen For Children quickly and effectively relieves symptoms of colds and flu, so you – and they – can get on with the important things in life. Always read the label. Use only as directed. Incorrect use could be harmful. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. Do not give to babies under three months of age.…

A FANCIER CUPPA Maxwell & Williams adds a touch of luxury to the classic tea set with new Blush. Available in white, blue and rosy pink, with hand-painted details in gold, this beautiful range will bring elegant charm to any tea party. Visit maxwellandwilliams.com.au DARE TO DECORATE Playful, yet elegant, the Morran Cushion Cover Set offers a simple and affordable way to add designer flair to your home. Featuring a combination of printed, piped and embroidered designs, these eye-catching decorator cushions are available in three fashionable colours. RRP $59 for a set of three. For more home styling inspiration, visit lorrainelea.com SNACK HAPPY Poptopia is the utopian popcorn snacking experience. Containing the goodness of specially grown Australian popping corn, coated and baked to seal in the crunch, it’s then seasoned…

Vegetariana Preparation time: 15 minsCooking time: 25 minsMakes 1 pizza 100g peeled and seededpumpkin, diced into1cm cubes1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oilSea-salt flakes and freshlyground black pepper,to season1 ball Classic Pizza Dough(see page 28 )¹/ ³ cup Classic Tomato Sauce(see page 35 )¼ eggplant, thinly slicedinto 5 rounds½ small zucchini, slicedlengthways into ribbons1 button mushroom, sliced¼ red capsicum, thinly sliced4 pitted kalamata olives,thinly sliced30g mozzarella, torn intobite-size pieces12 baby spinach leaves50g Greek-style feta, crumbled1 Tbsp pine nuts, toastedCaramelised balsamic vinegar,to drizzle 1 Preheat oven to 240°C. Line an oven tray with baking paper. Put pumpkin and oil on prepared tray, toss to coat, then season. Cook for 8 minutes or until pumpkin is just starting to soften but still slightly firm, then set aside. 2 Meanwhile, roll out…

making perfect dough Classic pizza dough Preparation time: 20 mins plus 1 hour 15 mins proving time Makes 2 classic pizza dough balls 150ml water, at room temperature7g sachet (1 tsp) active dried yeast½ tsp caster sugar1¾ cups (260g) strong plain“00” flour1½ tsp sea-salt flakes2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oilExtra strong plain flour, to dustExtra 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil PREPARING THE YEAST STEP 1 Put water, yeast and sugar in a small bowl. STEP 2 Stir with a fork to combine. STEP 3 Set aside for 10 minutes or until frothy. MIXING BY HAND STEP 4 Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. STEP 5 Make a well in the centre, then pour in oil and yeast mixture. STEP 6 Using your hands, combine into a dough.…

Donations to Legacy and the RSL For each Better Homes and Gardens commemorative throw kit ordered between 5 March and 30 June, 2015, $5 per order will be donated, with $2.50 each being sent to Legacy and the Returned Services League. And in so doing, you’ll be playing your part in helping these two organisations, which rely heavily on the generosity of the Australian public to provide ongoing support to Navy, Army and Air Force veterans and their families. TO ORDER YOUR KIT See over the page for all the details, or you can visit bhgshop.com.au or phone 1300 745 898 and quote P54BKZZB…

Enhance the warmth of your home and enliven neutral schemes by decorating with the traditional patterns, textures and colours of kilim rugs and tribal textiles. Best seat in the house 1. Supported by a wallpaper backdrop featuring neatly stacked vintage suitcases, you can achieve a living room with an eclectic, far-flung feel by layering a tan leather chesterfield with kilim rugs and cushions in different sizes. Easily integrated in this look are textile designs inspired by the Navajo and Mohave Native Americans. Lying low 2. Bring home the look of traditional Moroccan or Turkish dwellings with floor and seat cushions covered with ethnic textiles or kilims. Vintage kilim rugs can be sourced from homewares and oriental-rug stores. Draper’s delight 3. Treat flat-woven and embroidered Turkish kilim rugs as tapestries or…

What’s your favourite flower colour? We bet you will probably find it among dahlias, except for blue. There are also more than a dozen different flower forms on plants that range from knee-high for pots through to head-high for hiding fences. The hardest part is deciding what to grow from the huge choice available. But there’s no rush – you don’t plant them until spring. However, now is the time for soil preparation and to order the plant tubers you want. Dahlias, the lowdown These summer growing perennial flowers grow from tubers. They die back in autumn and reshoot in spring. Flowering starts about three months later and they stay in bloom until mid to late autumn. Right now, the plants are dormant, so growers and mail-order nurseries can dig…

Pining for a pretty, practical and productive garden? Nothing is too hard if you have passion and a vision – and you can achieve it in your own backyard! The first step is careful planning: take time to really think about what you want, now and for the future. Just look at this spectacular Brisbane garden, the home and creation of landscape architect Sidonie Carpenter. Starting with not much more than a few trees, see how she designed a place of diverse wonder. Something for everyone Creating a garden with equal parts beauty, bounty and practicality might sound like a pipe dream, but you can have it all. Despite a number of initial challenges, Sidonie achieved the perfect balance with an orchard, vegie patch, green roofs and walls, cottage-style garden…

Whether you live in a terrace, an apartment, the suburbs or on acreage, pots allow you to bring greenery to any space, inside or out. There is a wide variety: plastic, terracotta, fibreglass, even cement. While all look great, it’s easy to add a modern touch – painted, patterned containers are hot right now! Or, for a different look, try making a planter from a recycled tyre (see over the page to see how). Geo designs 1,2,3. Be at the cutting edge with a geometric-pattern pot that won’t break the bank. From a garden centre, choose a pot (the colour doesn’t matter) and, if it isn’t glazed, seal the inside with a pot sealer and let dry. If you don’t like the exterior colour, paint over with the desired shade…

In each issue, we give ideas, tips and planting advice for different climate zones, so it’s important to find the zone number for your area. Naturally, there will be cooler, warmer, wetter and drier areas in each zone, so ask a horticulturist at your local nursery which zone best matches your conditions. Tricky trompe Is it a window or is it a mirror? This trompe l’oeil created by Melbourne horticulturist Steven Wells is, in fact, a mirror, cleverly placed to give the illusion of being a window. Apart from being a delightful garden addition, a trompe l’oeil, which translates as ‘trick the eye’, can make a small garden seem larger. For best effect, use an old window frame or make your own and site it on a fence or wall…

What if there were an ingredient that was both wonderfully delicious and oh-so-good for you at the same time? Something so subtle it could be adapted and consumed in countless ways, yet powerful enough to take your wellbeing to soaring new heights? Well, you can stop looking because we’ve found it! Nectar of the gods It’s extra virgin olive oil. Australia’s olive harvesting season is coming to a close, meaning the new season of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is about to hit our supermarket shelves – and we’re super excited to begin using it for cooking, baking dipping and drizzling! While its rich depth of flavour is unparalleled, the greatest gift of EVOO is actually bestowed outside the kitchen. A rich source of powerful antioxidants and protective mono-unsaturated fats,…

The caramel slice is a real classic, tempting the youngest family members to the very old. Whether you have guests to impress or you’re just in the mood for some Sunday baking, NESTLÉ’S best ever caramel slice is sure to be a hit. A delicious biscuit and coconut base topped with smooth caramel and creamy chocolate this slice oozes sweet perfection. Best-ever caramel slice PREPARATION TIME 25 MINS COOKING TIME 40 MINS SERVES 16 INGREDIENTS 1 cup plain flour ½ cup brown sugar ½ cup desiccated coconut 125g butte , melted Extra 100g melted butter 2 x 395g cans NESTLÉ Sweetened Condensed Milk ½ cup golden syrup 180g NESTLÉ BAKERS’ CHOICE Dark CHUNKS, melted 1 Tbsp vegetable oil METHOD STEP 1 Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan forced. Lightly grease a…

Individual chorizo and potato pots Preparation time: 20 mins Cooking time: 40 mins Serves 4 8 small roma tomatoes 12 small kipfler potatoes, scrubbed 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 chorizo, thinly sliced 1 red onion, finely sliced 1 tsp capers, drained 4 cloves garlic, sliced 2 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp ground cumin 400g can chickpeas, drained ¼ cup dry sherry Juice of 1 lemon 1 tsp brown sugar Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season 1 bunch sage, leaves picked Extra sage leaves, to garnish Crusty bread, to serve 1 Preheat oven to 200°C. Cut a small cross on the base of each tomato and put in a large heatproof bowl. Fill a second large bowl with iced water. Cover tomatoes with boiling water and…

The Victorian Pinot Noir is a full-bodied and rich wine with pronounced but fine silky tannins. It has lovely cherry aromas with complex, spicy oak notes and is perfect with our slow-cooked Chicken Drumsticks Coq au Vin. Turn to page 38 to see the recipe. The Butterfly Effect Chardonnay is a full-bodied chardonnay, but just lightly oaked so it is still fruit-forward and soft. Non-chardonnay drinkers are now enjoying the wine again after taking a sip. It goes well with our Hearty Veal, Lentil and Vegetable Soup recipe on page 37.…

Hoisin salmon rice bowl Preheat oven to 200°C. Dice 600g boneless skinless salmon fillets into 3cm pieces and arrange on an oven tray lined with baking paper. Add 1 thinly sliced red onion and ¼ cup of a 260g Lee Kum Kee Stir-Fry Essentials Asian Hoisin sauce and toss to coat. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until salmon is cooked. Meanwhile, heat remaining Asian stir-fry hoisin sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat with ¹/ ³ cup water and stir until hot. Set aside keeping warm. Cook 4 halved bok choy in boiling water for 1 minute or until just tender. Drain well. Serve salmon and bok choy on a bed of steamed rice drizzled with the hot hoisin sauce. Scatter with coriander, Thai basil leaves, micro herbs, sliced…

Plaster of Paris is an often-overlooked craft supply and it’s not until you buy a bag and experiment that you discover how much fun it is to use – and just how versatile. To create these ‘raindrops’, make moulds using plasticine, fill with wet plaster, when dry, paint and hang on your wall. This is a great project to make with the kids – rain, hail or shine! 3D RAINDROPS Gather your supplies Plasticine Plaster of Paris Spray undercoat (or PVA) Spray paint in colour of choice, we used Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover 2X in Gloss Seaside and Dulux Duramax enamel in True Blue steps You’ll also need Clay mat or placemat (optional); baking paper; ladle (ours is shaped like a raindrop); mixing bowl or jug with pour spout; flat paddle…

Being practical and making the most of your space were once the sole considerations when planning a new bathroom. Fast forward to renovations these days and bathrooms have been transformed into spa-like retreats – beautiful places in which to relax and unwind. From tiles and tapware to high-performance showers and tubs for lounging, these pages feature a dream of inspiring bathroom ideas. Modern Match beauty with functionality Make it yours Install shutters in the bathroom for light control and privacy. To guard against warping, peeling and blistering, choose a low-maintenance, finely painted timber look, such as Newstyle Polyresin Shutters by Luxaflex. Tuck a back-to-wall loo into a corner and use the wall part that conceals the cistern to create a shelf for a toiletry display. Can’t find a vanity you…

Mother’s Day gifts usually come in the form of flowers or chocolates. But why not surprise Mum by knocking off a few jobs around the house – just like Better Homes and Gardens’ Adam Dovile did! Here, a solar skylight, a pasterboard wall and a fold-down clothesline are just the ticket! Project 1 REPLACE A CLOTHESLINE A fold-down clothesline is a great space saver for a small area, provided it actually stays up! This one needs to be propped up by a stick of timber, so if yours needs replacing, here’s how to do it. Gather your supplies Fold-down clothesline 8mm dia. x 50mm galvanised Ankascrews (4) You’ll also need Drill; 8mm masonry drill bit; ratchet and socket set; spirit level; cutting pliers steps STEP 1 Undo bolts on wall…

They may be tiny and unassuming, but chia seeds pack a powerful nutritional punch. Just one tablespoon per day delivers three grams of omega-3 fatty acids, six grams of fibre and a cartload of essential vitamins, minerals and also antioxidants. They’re also a perfect source of plant protein, containing all of the nine essential amino acids. In fact, we can’t think of a single reason not to include chia seeds in your daily diet. What type of food are they? As well as being exceedingly good for you, chia seeds tick the following boxes:VegetarianVeganRawGluten-freeOrganicNon-GMOChemical-freeSustainably farmed. Where do they come from? Chia seeds are harvested from a gorgeous flowering plant in the mint family called Salvia hispanica. Although native to Mexico and Guatemala (ancient Aztecs and Mayans once feasted on their…

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Of all the beautiful food that has originated from Italy, the pizza would have to be the most popular. And for good reason – it’s low cost, quick, great for entertaining, adaptable, child-friendly, and can be made as indulgent or healthy as you choose. Making dough from scratch is easy, and to make you the expert, check our step-by-step pictures so your pizzas are the best! You can also learn all about the essential tools, different cheeses and plenty more. You’ll find this selection the most delicious of pizzas, from the mix of classic toppings with a twist or two, to enticing new flavours and even a touch of decadence with a few sweet toppings. Whichever you choose, you’ll be thrilled!…

Chocolate hazelnut with strawberries, pistachio and ice-cream Preparation time: 15 minsCooking time: 10 minsMakes 1 pizza 1 ball Classic Pizza Dough(see page 28 )¼ cup chocolate hazelnutspread250g punnet strawberries,hulled, thinly sliced1 scoop vanilla ice-cream1 Tbsp pistachios,finely choppedIcing sugar mixture,to dust (optional) 1 Preheat oven to 240°C. Roll out dough following How To Roll Out Dough on page 31. 2 Bake dough for 10 minutes or until light golden. 3 Immediately spread chocolate haze nut spread over hot pizza base, then arrange strawberry slices on top in a decorative fanned pattern, slightly overlapping and starting from the outside working in towards the centre, leaving a cm border. 4 Top with ice-cream, scatter with pistachios and dust with icing sugar, if using, then serve immediately. Chocolate hazelnut with banana and ricotta…