Innholdsfortegnelse for JULY 2016 i Better Homes and Gardens Australia

Timber treads will make a feature of a bland white staircase - and look, no scuff marks to be seen! 1 On the rise Get your DIY groove on and create a platform sectional – basically just two rectangular timber boxes – arranged to it snugly into a corner. Stain the wood, then have backs made and upholstered in calico or linen with mattresses and cushions to match. If you’re handy, you can upholster the seating yourself. PS, get friendly with a tree lopper and take a stump off his hands for a unique side table! 2 Beam on Restraint trumps frills every time! If you’re on a mission to revamp your fireplace, you’ll find a salvaged beam stands out as an attention-grabbing mantel against simple white plasterboard walls. The…

A hot button 1. Express your creativity with at least one handknitted (or crocheted) item – there are loads of patterns on the market. You can even have a go at upcycling an old jumper. Making not in your make-up? That’s OK, just hit the shops. Decorator’s tips ■ Layer your greys for interest and, if you wish, let them shine by incorporating metallic and mirrored accessories. How about a gold mirror, a gilded candleholder, a mirrored console? ■ Go for visual warmth and let chunky knitted accessories take the spotlight. For starters, try knitted poufs as well textural cushions and throws (think basket weave- and cableknit patterns). Then there’s faux fur and sheepskin rugs. ■ Keep chill air out by not letting it enter in the first place! Window…

Homemade cottage cheese Yes, you can make your own cheese! Hop on the artisan food train and put together magnificent bruschetta. Preparation time: 5 mins Cooking time: 5 mins Makes 400g cheese 1L full-cream milk ½ tsp fine salt Juice of 1 lemon Baguette slices, toasted, to serve Roasted tomatoes, to serve Basil leaves, to garnish 1 Combine milk and salt in a medium saucepan over a medium heat. Bring to the boil, then mix in lemon juice to allow milk to curdle. Sieve curds and let drain. 2 To serve, arrange on baguette toasts and top with roasted tomatoes and basil. Bacon, potato and leek bake Crispy bacon, cream, wine and thyme take potato bake from side dish to superstar. Preparation time: 20 mins Cooking time: 1 hour 20…

Say ‘¡hola!’ to softshell beef tacos and spice up your week! To effortlessly ride the Mexican wave, have Pepper Leaf deliver all the ingredients right to your door. Just sign up at pepperleaf.com.au. Beef tacos Preparation time: 15 mins Cooking time: 15 mins Serves 4 1 Tbsp olive oil 600g beef rump steak, cut into 2cm strips 200g jar medium taco sauce 2 Tbsp taco spice mix Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper 8 soft tortillas 2 small avocados, flesh finely diced 2 medium tomatoes, finely diced ½ cup sour cream ¼ cup coriander leaves 2 limes, cut into wedges 1 Heat oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Cook beef in batches for 2 minutes or until well browned. Transfer to a plate. 2…

Visit our secure online store at bhgshop.com.au 1. Gallipoli Centenary Rose Selected to commemorate the Gallipoli Centenary in 2015, this stunning shrub rose has exceptional disease tolerance. Large, deep red blooms are produced in clusters or singly, on a dense bush. Awarded gold medals overseas, it has also won ‘Best Shrub’ and ‘Bronze Medal’ awards at the National Rose Trial Garden of Australia. Height 1.2m 2. Wedding Bells The large, clear silver pink blooms of this Hybrid Tea rose have a fabulous fragrance. Healthy, disease-resistant dark green foliage make it a handsome shrub. Height 1m 3. Sunny Sky Large, elegant blooms in honey yellow exude a fruity fragrance. A prolific bloomer, this Hybrid Tea is wonderfully healthy, making it a carefree delight in your garden. Winner of numerous gold medals…

Garden sculptures, big and small, can bring pleasing balance to your backyard. A walk around the stunning Oakwood, home of the Kooper Tasmania studio, is like taking a masterclass in plant and sculptural design. Let it inspire you to add entertaining elements to your garden and create your own clever landscape with personality! It’s about picking pieces in theme with your surrounds, repurposing old items and thoughtfully positioning them. See it! What Oakwood Garden and Kooper Tasmania Studio Where Mangalore, Tas (a 30-minute drive north of Hobart) When By appointment For more info (03) 6268 0385 or koopertasmania.com.au Meet the sculptors Working from their studio on the historic Georgian property Oakwood, Folko Kooper and Maureen Craig create magnificent garden sculptures as the creative partnership of Kooper Tasmania. The two-storey stone…

Aterrific idea for multipurpose garden furniture, this concretetopped outdoor coffee table started out as a fire pit. Designed complete with a planter pot (or ice bucket), you can convert it back any time you like. steps Making the mould CONCRETE TOP Gather your supplies ■ Cast-iron fire pit■ 2440 x 1220 x 16mm melamine board■ 2400 x 1200mm corflute■ General purpose cement■ Washed sand■ 14mm blue metal aggregate■ 2 planter pots (1 for ice bucket and 1 for potted plant)■ Disposable plastic pot, same size as planter pots (for mould)■ 1800 x 1200mm reinforcing mesh■ All-purpose silicon■ Crommelin Wet Look Paving Sealer You’ll also need Measuring tape; pencil; sawhorses; screw; screwdriver; jigsaw; belt sander; angle grinder; bolt cutters; hot-glue gun and glue sticks; duct tape; Stanley knife; squeegee; plastic tarp;…

Do I look familiar? Due to changes in TV scheduling, this story is being repeated. So here it is again, in case you missed it. TREE PLANTING 101 Give trees a healthy start by preparing your planting site – remove debris, large stones and weeds – and soaking the root ball in water overnight. Gather your supplies ■ Potted tree of your choice ■ Shovel You’ll also need Secateurs; wheelbarrow or plastic sheeting; blood and bone or manure; compost, garden fork, organic mulch Here’s how STEP 1 Remove tree from pot. Use shovel to measure the depth of the root ball. Dig a hole twice as wide as root ball and about 10cm deeper. Put excavated soil in wheelbarrow or on plastic sheeting. Add blood and bone or manure and…

The door on your garage doesn’t just keep your car and possessions under lock and key, it’s also a big part of the overall look of your home. You can match it to your colour scheme or make a bold statement. Whichever way you go, there are many styles, colours and finishes to help you achieve the look you want. Here are handy hints for picking a style to suit your home and how to bring down the cost by building the frame yourself (see over page)! ROLLER DOORS ✱Roll up, roll up! Roller doors are the most economical of your options. They’re available in the complete range of Colorbond colours, so you can use your door to complement other features of your home, such as the roof, gutters or…

You see cheap-as pieces all the time at junk shops, garage sales and online. Heck, if you spot a roadside freebie or inherit a hand-me-down dresser, you can’t beat the price tag, right? Here’s the dilemma: the pieces you come across are solid and in good nick, but the look doesn’t quite fit with the scheme you’re rockin’ at home. Well, throw that bargain in your trailer or squeeze it in the boot, then pick your favourite revamp idea from the following to bring your find up to modern-day scratch. 1 What a zinger! Don’t let an unloved dresser fade into the background – bring it smack-bang into the conversation with a vibrant makeover. Pick a self-primer in a hue you love, or mix your own, then paint out the…

Knowing just how to arrange a collection of photographs, prints or artworks on your wall is a daunting task, riddled with ums and ahs. As a result, this little job often ends up being left for ‘next weekend’. Well your time’s up! Here are three fail-proof ways to achieve a well-balanced display you’ll be proud of. 1 The grid Imagine a square or a rectangle on your wall, then line up your works within its surrounds. It’s easy-peasy if all your frames are the same size, just line ’em up, keeping the spaces between nice and even. 2 Diamond dazzler Begin this style of display with a central column, then work outwards to fill out a diamond shape. Frames don’t need to be identical (if your OCD can handle it),…

Walk this way to your new favourite handbag KNITTED BAG Measurements Small: 29 x 31cm (Juniper) Large: 31 x 31cm (Rose) Gather your supplies Hook & Hop Cool Tee-Yarn in Juniper, Rose or other colour; 1 pair 10mm knitting needles; yarn or darning needle (for sewing up) Here’s how Abbreviations Patt = pattern; st/s = stitch/es; rep = repeat Bag front Cast on 28 (30) sts. 1st row: Knit. 2nd row: Purl. These 2 rows form the patt. Work a further 30 rows of patt (ending with a purl row). Shape handle (right-hand side) 33rd row: Knit 10 (11) sts, turn. 34th row: Purl 10 (11) sts to end. 35th row: Knit 10 (11) sts. Cast off 8 sts then knit remaining 10 (11) sts. Shape handle (left-hand side) 34th…

South Island Drive The jaw-dropping landscapes of the South Island make it the ultimate road trip destination. Stop as you please, from the sunny shores of Nelson to the snowcapped peaks of the Southern Alps and the glistening waters of Lake Wanaka. Auckland New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland shines bright with its shimmering harbour, boutique-laden laneways, outlying wine country and secluded golden beaches. Nature and modern comfort meet head-on in this beautiful, cosmopolitan city. Milford Sound One of the nation’s most scenic spots, Milford Sound is truly breathtaking. Carved by glaciers and surrounded by snow capped peaks and cascading waterfalls, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped into paradise. Queenstown Perched on the pristine shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is full of beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure. Ski the slopes…

Looking for some variety with your dog food? Why not try the new Purina SUPERCOAT® Pouches? This delicious range of wet dog food is made from the goodness of real Australian meat, wrapped up in a home-style gravy. With visible grilled meaty chunks to deliver high protein and containing essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, SUPERCOAT® Pouches are perfect for mixing with dry dog food. They provide 100 per cent complete and balanced nutrition for every life stage, and are available in convenient 100g single serve pouches – so there’s no mess and no fuss. KEEPING ACTIVE Keeping your small dog active is vital to maintaining the overall health of your dog. Not only does it keep joints limber, reduce the risk of obesity and improve cardiovascular health, but it helps…

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Recently, I was asked to talk on spirituality for the Spiritual Care Australia annual conference in Melbourne. The title of the conference was ‘Inspiration in Diversity’. My brief was to discuss how we nourish our own levels of spirituality via our home and garden. It was indeed diverse but I found it a daunting task. Spirituality means so many different things to so many different people. It’s so very personal, so very intimate. I’m sure, right now you may be thinking what it might mean to you. So I’ll pause a minute… Then, in order for me to find a common theme, and after asking many, many good folk for their thoughts, I funnelled their richness of opinions into a simple concept, to bring it home, so to speak. And…

Wrap yourself and your home in textures, textiles and colours to instil a sense of warmth, cosiness and comfort, and you’ll bar the chill air of winter at the threshold. Hearth of the home 1. Yes, it will heat your space, but a fire alone isn’t enough to add a feeling of comfort. Pull your furniture in close and load up on well-worn elements, textural sisal and woolly weaves – all sit beautifully within a rustic scheme where salvaged wood may (or may not) be featured. Earthy reds or glowing golds on a country-style sofa pay off, adding ambience. In the glow of the night 2. Brighten gloomy corners with Moroccan lanterns – antique, or new and artfully aged. Candlelight makes everything appear lovelier and cosier. Arrange and display 3.…

Embrace the winter chill and enjoy slow-cooking success with this collection of sumptuous, hearty recipes. Featuring chicken, pork, beef and lamb, plus vegetarian options, you can just prep, set and forget! And if you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love the drool-worthy desserts too. Don’t own a slow cooker? You can use a pressure cooker or the oven, or enter to win one (see page 74)! For similar round cast iron casserole pots in various sizes, try Le Creuset, lecreuset.com.au. in the OVEN Chicken, chorizo and bean cassoulet Spanish chorizo brings smoky, spicy flavour to this much-loved French casserole. Preparation time: 15 mins Cooking time: 4 hours Serves 4–6 8 skinless chicken thigh fillets, halved Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season 2 Tbsp plain flour 2 tsp…

Genuine Thermos Brand ✓ The leader in insulated food and beverage products for over 110 years, Genuine Thermos Brand is trusted by consumers all over the world.✓ The secret lies in the vacuum insulation technology which virtually eliminates temperature change within the container.✓ Genuine Thermos Brand vacuum insulated mugs, food jars and and bottles help contents maintain temperature for longer, inhibiting bacteria growth and maintaining freshness. GENUINE THERMOS® BRAND TRAVEL MUG Keep your hot drinks hot for up to five hours and cold drinks cold for up to nine hours with Thermos™ vacuum insulation technology. The exterior stays cool to the touch with hot contents, and sweat-proof with cold, and a built-in tea hook holds tea bags or loose leaf tea infusers. GENUINE THERMOS® BRAND FOOD JAR Enjoy your lunch…

Even though bulbplanting season is coming to an end, it’s not too late to enjoy a colourful spring bounty. Planting bulbs in pots is also a fantastic solution for gardeners with limited space. When they’ve sprouted, move them to a sunny spot and wait for those bulbs to plump up for a gorgeous display of blooms! How to grow them It’s easy – here’s what to do: ■ Choose a container at least 15cm deep. Ensure there are plenty of drainage holes in the base for healthy root growth. ■ Pour in a bulb potting mix with no added fertiliser. Make holes about one bulb-length apart and two bulb-lengths deep. Place them in the holes with their tips facing up. ■ Place in a cool, shady position. As soon as…

If you’re a fan of natives and succulents, this is the garden for you! Set among boulders, the plants create a serene sanctuary and require next-to-no maintenance. Featuring stepping stones set in gold gravel, it’s also a yard you won’t need to mow or edge-trim. It’s many steps in the right direction. Get the look Choose the right plants to complement your sandstone rockery. Try this selection – they come in a range of heights and sizes, so layer them up! Tall layers 1. Corymbia ficifolia is one of the most commonly planted ornamental gums because it flowers in vivid colours – this variety, ‘Lollipops’, bears stunning fuchsia pink blooms. It can grow 5–6m and flowers in late spring or summer. 2. Tristaniopsis ‘Luscious’, or water gum, is a medium-growing…

HOW TO USE YOUR GUIDE this July You must plant all ABOVE-ground crops during the moon’s WAXING cycle. You must plant all BELOW-ground crops during the moon’s WANING cycle. Best days Second-best days On these days, thin out seed boxes, sow all types of seeds and plant seedlings that produce their crop ABOVE the ground. These include all varieties of peas, beans, corn, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprout, eggplant, lettuce, celery, silverbeet, spinach, endive, Chinese cabbage, tomato, cucumber, asparagus crowns, artichoke, marrow, pumpkin, capsicum, melon, zucchini, chicory, sprouts, rhubarb, all herbs (except garlic) and all agricultural crops, such as sunflower, grains, cereals, canola and cotton. During these days, you can also plant flowering shrubs, annuals, flowers (not bulbs), cactus, flax, tree ferns, passionfruit vines and kiwifruit. Plant all fruit trees…

Are the kids ruling the roost at your place? Avoid the battles over territory – take to your old underutilised shed with a multi-use makeover to cater for your down time. Part chill-out zone, part hobby area – divided by a workbench on wheels – this space is so cool the challenge will be keeping the kids out… Paradise awaits 1 Dream up a new use for an old structure at the back of your yard (garden shed, workshop, small flat) – use the existing framework to design a space to suit your needs then expand your vision to include a deck and a little can‑do landscaping. Remember to consult your local council before carrying out building works on your property. Peace out 2 Take five on an Acapulcostyle chair…

Wallpaper instantly adds colour, texture and striking patterns. But if the thought of doing it yourself evokes a sense of dread, time to meet ‘paste-the-wall’ coverings, the novice paperhanger’s new best friend! Paper goes on dry and sticks to paste applied to the wall. It doesn’t expand when wet like the old-fashioned stuff, so it’s less likely to bubble or crease – you’ll be decorating like a pro! HANGING WALLPAPER Gather your supplies ■ Shibori Earth Grey Brick, or wallpaper of your choice■ Wallpaper paste, to suit chosen paper You’ll also need Crack filler; sandpaper; waterbased undercoat; wide scraper; pencil; spirit level; handheld paint mixer; bucket; paint roller, tray and brush; wallpaper smoother; knife with snap-off blades; sponge; seam roller Notes ■ Check your wallpaper instructions for any special steps…

Certain ‘superfoods’ travel with their own publicity entourage, a cast of hangers-on and paparazzi snapping (not mentioning any names) but other, more unassuming health foods need no such fanfare. It’s time to celebrate the good ol’ egg. The egg is versatile, inexpensive, delicious and ridiculously nutritious. It’s one of those rare ‘complete foods’, providing a little of everything for everyone. Why they’re egg-cellent Eggs contain 11 essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, E, B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B6, B12, iron, iodine, phosphorus, selenium and folate. They’re a rich source of healthy fats; highquality protein; and antioxidants, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which help reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration. They’re also full of the supernutrient brain food choline. A good egg You can…

1 WADDLE WITH THE PENGUINS Come face-to-face with a colony of Antarctic king and gentoo penguins. Rug up in snow gear and trudge across the ice on Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium’s signature experience, the Penguin Passport tour. You’ll go behind the glass walls of the temperature-controlled penguin enclosure for a close-up encounter with those fascinating flightless creatures from our frozen neighbour down south. Where? Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne, Vic Find out more melbourneaquarium.com.au 2 SWIM WITH THE SHARKS Make a fully aquatic day of it by hopping on the Manly ferry from Circular Quay – it’s just a 30-minute trip across to Manly Sea Life Sanctuary. For an exhilarating adventure, try diving with the sharks! On the aquarium’s Shark Dive Xtreme experience you can safely dive with grey nurse…

RELAXED TO THE MAXX If you like the idea of a recliner, but want one that’s more refined and modern than the one you grew up with, the Maxx could be for you. This ultra comfortable La-Z-Boy Reclina-Rocker is clean and contemporary with its sleek lines and luxurious timber arms. What can we say? The Maxx rocks. Literally. Visit la-z-boy.com.au TRANSFORM YOUR KITCHEN BENCHTOPS Love the look of stone? Kaboodle Kitchen’s laminate benchtops emulate the look of the most popular stone surfaces from all over the world. For more inspiration, visit kaboodle.com.au. You too can have the whole kit and kaboodle. MAKE YOUR BISCUIT MOMENT SPECIAL There’s nothing like taking a moment for yourself with a cuppa and a biscuit. With Green’s biscuits, that moment just got even better. With…

If you frequently find yourself wondering “where did all the money go?”, you’re not alone. Losing track of money is especially easy thanks to electronic payments. The key to regaining control of your cash is using a household budget to show what’s coming in, where your money is going, and areas you can cut back to grow savings. Despite the pluses, less than one in two Australians follow a budget, so here are some tips to get started. First, it’s important to know exactly what your spending looks like. The government’s free TrackMySpend app is useful here. Next, budget for fun. A budget that doesn’t let you enjoy yourself is never going to last. Finally, be flexible. Review your budget regularly and fine-tune the figures as your income or your…

Freshly picked 1. Build a scheme around black-and-blue berry shades and you’ll sleep wrapped in their embrace. A buttonback bedhead, tweed and plaid woollens add an extra layer of indulgence, while flowers nod to the colour scheme. Then install a fire and bask in its glow. Decorator’s tips ■ Seek out florals with a dark background. As for paint colours, look to warm greys and sumptuous purples. ■ Lift the mood with accents of fresh green and shiny metallic finishes – think copper, silver, chrome and pewter. ■ Whether you’re using wallpaper or fabric or both, play with scale and/or mix your florals with stripes, plaids and solids. Steer clear of decorating a whole room with the one pattern. ■ Play up the florals with large areas of block colour.…

Sticky semolina cake with pistachios and orange blossom water This moist, dense cake is flavoured subtly with orange blossom water when it absorbs all the yummy syrup! Preparation time: 15 mins plus 20 mins cooling Cooking time: 35 mins Makes about 30 pieces Melted butter, to grease 400g fine semolina 200g caster sugar 150g desiccated coconut 75g self-raising flour 200g thick plain yoghurt 60ml milk 200g unsalted butter, melted 1 tsp vanilla extract 30 unsalted shelled pistachios ORANGE BLOSSOM SYRUP 300g caster sugar 2 Tbsp orange blossom water 1 Tbsp lemon juice 1 Preheat oven to 170°C. Grease a 5cm deep, 30cm round cake tin with butter. 2 Put semolina, sugar, desiccated coconut, flour, yoghurt, milk, butter and vanilla in a large bowl, mixing well to combine. 3 Spread mixture…

Quick coq au vin Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add 1 diced brown onion, 2 crushed cloves garlic, 200g button mushrooms, 2 sliced carrots, 6 sliced rindless bacon rashers and 6 sprigs thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until bacon is golden. Add 2 Tbsp tomato paste and 400ml De Bortoli Windy Peak 2015 Pinot Noir Yarra Valley. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 10 minutes or until reduced by half. Add 250ml chicken stock. Combine 20g softened butter and 1 Tbsp plain flour in a bowl, then add to pan and whisk until thick. Cut 1 hot cooked barbecue chicken into 8 pieces, add to pan and stir to coat. Cook for a further 2 minutes or until…

Growing beautiful roses from bare-rooted plants is one of gardening’s great pleasures. With so many varieties on offer, and such a vast array of colours to choose from, there’s a rose to suit any garden and any taste. Deep burgundy purples, pinks, reds, sunshine yellows, pretty shades of peach, creamy white – these are just a few of the shades in the rose colour spectrum. And then there are the scents, which can include grapefruit, myrrh, pear, tea, citrus, lychee and zesty lemon. What’s not to love? Where to plant? While roses have a few requirements, these are not hard to meet and new plantings grow into tough longlived shrubs which go on giving, year after year. If you have the space, plant a selection so you can enjoy blooms…

Plants FOR CLUSTER POTTING Zamia furfuracea Kalanchoe ‘Copper Spoons’ Senecio ‘Ice Sticks’ Raphiolepis ‘Oriental Pearl’ Frangipani Sansevieria Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ Take the ideas outside 1, 2, 3. This clever makeover turns a bland balcony into something fabulous and functional! It’s full of great tips for a simple renovation. If you’re renting, there are ideas here for you, too – you can take everything with you when you move! Dress up a downpipe 4. Even an ugly downpipe can be utilised in your deck makeover – it’s all about using every inch of space! This simple piece of curved mesh is designed especially for the purpose. Place a tall cube planter at the base of the pipe and plant an evergreen climber, like this Chinese star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides). To keep…

The puppy factory where this little girl was found was forced to close, but not before it had caused generations of suffering. Breeding dogs like her lived without comfort or affection, valued only for the number of puppies they produced. Investigators found dogs confined indefinitely to faeces-littered pens, with no bedding or protection from the cold. You can avoid unwittingly supporting a cruel puppy factory by adopting your next best friend from a reputable shelter, and you’ll also save a life. THE HARSH REALITY OF PUPPY FACTORIES 1 BREEDING MACHINES The dogs are treated like ‘breeding machines’ and denied quality of life, all in the name of profit 2 TRAGIC CONDITIONS Investigations by Animals Australia have shown dogs kept in ‘upright tombs’, in total darkness and confined in small filthy…

Got an aged or weathered timber door past its use-by date? It may seem like rubbish, but look beyond what it was and think of what it could be – it’s the timber equivalent of a blank canvas! With a cut here and a screw there, you can turn it into a one-of-a-kind coffee table. Do I look familiar? Due to changes in TV scheduling, this story is being repeated. So here it is again, in case you missed it. steps Lead paint safety High concentrations of lead were used in house paints up to 1970. Exposure to even a small amount of dust or paint chips containing lead is a health hazard. To find out if lead is in the painted surface you’ll be working with, use an inexpensive…

With an ever-expanding range of professional-grade printing options, you can turn photos from a phone or camera memory card into stunning display images. It’s easy, too. Upload images to a website, choose your surface and size, then wait for the package to arrive at your door. Plus, there are cool ways to use prints from your ink jet printer. It’s great for displaying holiday snaps, an amazing outdoor shot or family photos around your home. The hardest part will be picking your favourite photos. Think outside the frame – display your pics on bottles, metal, cloth, doors and more! Bottle of love 1. These glass displays give new meaning to the phrase ‘message in a bottle’. First, cut your photos to suit each bottle. If using ink-jet printer copies of…

According to happy women everywhere, the key to a joyous life is being active, staying involved and not letting life’s little bugaboos get you down. That’s not to say there won’t be days you wish you’d stayed in bed – after all, even those with the sunniest outlooks experience occasional clouds and thunderstorms. It’s how you ride them out that matters. Listen to your heart A low mood might mean you’re tired, hungry, not feeling fab or otherwise irritated with the world in general. But moods are important messages, so it’s worth giving them reflection and perspective to determine what they might be trying to tell you. For example, recurring funks associated with work, or certain people, could be your cue for a sea change. Persistent bad or sad moods…

OUTTA SIGHT Increased exposure to outdoor light is key to reducing the myopia (short-sightedness) epidemic in children, according to new research. Studies found it’s not the near work on computer and other screens causing myopia, but a lack of adequate outdoor light. Receiving less than 60 minutes exposure to light outdoors per day is a risk factor. For more information, visit optometry.org.au. Here’s a tip, don’t skip People who miss breakfast can suffer from poor concentration and constant tiredness or struggle to make it through their daily tasks. They are also at risk of physical symptoms such as mood swings, unhealthy cravings and weight gain. What are the best breakfast foods? Anything with protein or fibre. Eggs in particular are a highly nutritious wholefood – a natural source of 11…

▪ Location, location, location Often, great hotel deals you find online in a city you’ve never been before turn out to be near the airport or away from the true heart of a city. Your accommodation needs to be in the best location, with all the expected creature comforts, plus a few extra perks along the way. Experienced travel agents know what it takes to make a great holiday because they’ve been there before and know the lay of the land. ▪ Breeze on through When you book your own flights and hotels, the transport between the two is often forgotten. Transferring from the airport to your hotel or resort can be a hassle, but not when your airport transfers are already taken care of, usually the case with package…

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