Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2018 i Better Homes and Gardens Australia

how much shopping, planning, wrapping, decorating, counting, packing, folding, placing, stacking – and entertaining – have you been doing until now? Loads! And, of course, you’ll be going right through to the end of the festive season, one way or the other, doing more and more. No rest for the wicked or the holiday maker! But how good is it? Amazing, fun and totally joyous. And the more quick and nimble you are, therefore more efficient and stress-free, the better time you can have. Do we know this for sure? The answer is a big fat yes! So we made this issue as full as possible with speedy, smart ways to feed and water your people without sacrificing one iota of taste or presentation. On that note, flick ahead to…

270g package Udon noodles prepared according to package directions 2 tbsp sesame oil 250g firm tofu, cut into large cubes ½ tbsp toasted white sesame seeds ½ tbsp black sesame seeds 3 radishes, sliced thinly 1 carrot sliced into matchsticks 30-40 edamame, thawed and shell removed Generous handful of thinly sliced red cabbage 1 avocado, sliced thinly 1 cucumber, sliced into ribbons 1 bunch of broccolini, trimmed and blanched FOR GARNISH 5 tbsp KEWPIE Roasted Sesame Dressing (reserve 2 tbsp to toss with cooked Udon noodles) Zest of 1 lemon ½ cup toasted cashews, roughly chopped Prepare noodles according to package directions and toss with 2 tbsp of KEWPIE Roasted Sesame Dressing. Set aside. Heat sesame oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes and brown…

naturally showy, poinsettias are synonymous with the festive season and look spesh when entertaining. Mix the real with the faux – you’ll be hard-pressed to tell the difference. Or, have a go at making your own easy napkin rings, wreath and gift toppers. Spectacular! Oh-so-pretty crepe paper gift topper You can skip the wrapping paper altogether with these easy gift toppers. Layers of crepe paper will help you create poinsettia bracts with plenty of body. And the brush of glitter glue gives the paper a light curl when dry. For the finish, use a mix of gold and silver glitter at the centre. Gather your supplies •Crepe paper in red •Rotary cutter and cutting mat •Tacky white glue •Bone folder tool •Gold glitter glue •Sponge or flat paintbrush •Hot-glue gun…

are you hosting the crew at your place for this year’s celebrations? Lucky you! Check out this duo of table decorating schemes for inspiration – from traditional red and green with golden trimmings to chic white and light grey with accents in rose gold and pink. You can start to prep either look in the days leading up to your Christmas brekkie, brunch, lunch or dinner – just pick one theme then flick on your favourite Chrissy carols to get the season’s creative spirit flowing. After all, ‘Santa Claus is coming to town!’ 1 SET IT classic 1 Throw down a Santa suitred tablecloth, hang a festive chandelier… ho, ho, ho! You’re already halfway to creating a jolly Christmas table scene! Chandelier instructions on page 194 SHOP IT AT SPOTLIGHT!…

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GREEK BARBECUED OCTOPUS Preparation time 5 mins plus 2 hours chilling Cooking time 5 mins Serves 4 800g baby octopus, cleaned4 cloves garlic, minced2 tsp dried oreganoFinely grated zest and juiceof 2 lemons2 tsp honey¼ cup extra virgin olive oilSea-salt flakes and freshly groundblack pepper STEP 1 Cut each octopus into 4 pieces. Mix in a large bowl with the garlic, oregano, zest, juice, honey and olive oil. Chill for 2 hours. STEP 2 Season with salt and a generous amount of pepper. Preheat a barbecue grill to high and cook octopus for 4–5 minutes, turning several times, until just firm. Serve hot. Hey gang! Party food and leftovers are on top of the agenda during the summer entertaining season. Watch me make these crowd-pleasers on BHG TV, Fridays at…

R efreshing and fullbodied, new Twinings Morning Tea makes every sip a morning must, with or without milk. Lovingly created from a blend of black Ceylon teas for the perfect taste, aroma and experience, the full-strength, refreshing result is everything you expect from Twinings. And now you have even more reason to take a break, start a conversation and enjoy a cup of tea with a friend or colleague, because your cup of Twinings Morning Tea is doing you, and others, good. ENJOY A CUP AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE When Twinings launched Morning Tea, they also launched a nationwide competition with four leading Australian women designing a pack, asking Australia to vote. The winner was Carrie Bickmore’s design, featuring a dancer, which now exclusively appears on every pack. For the…

the area under a set of stairs is a notorious space waster. But it’s ideal for a compact home office. Flat-pack kitchen cabinets are an easy way to add storage, while laminated timber panels make a smart benchtop and desk. Complete the transformation with a set of rectangular box shelves for a stylish office display. Your home workstation, sorted!…

Mini hot house Cut about 2cm off the bottom of a milk container. Discard the bottom and place top over newly planted seedlings in garden. The covering will create a stable atmosphere and protect from slugs and the elements, even from frost and snow. Secure with bamboo cane and keep the bottle lid on at night and on cold days to keep in the warmth. Watering can For a delicate spray – ideal for seedlings – drill equally spaced small (2–3mm) holes in the lid of a container. Fill with water, screw the lid back on and pour. Handy scoop Cut the bottom out of a 2L or 3L milk container (as pictured below) to form a scoop.…

the seeds of a spring garden are sown in autumn. It’s an old saying and true – seen especially clearly at Tulip Top Gardens near Canberra, where the ‘seeds’ are bulbs – tulips mainly – and there are thousands of them! This breathtaking garden is a tribute to the classic splendour of a traditional spring landscape: blossom trees and bulbs, carpets of annuals and lush swathes of green lawn. Everywhere you look are gorgeous vistas, which will leave you itching to replicate them, even on a small scale, in your own garden. So remember to plan ahead and gather yours to plant in autumn.…

PROPAGATE BUXUS Gather your supplies •Clean, sharp secateurs •Mini greenhouse for propagating •Potting mix •Rooting hormone gel or a powder hormone for cuttings Here’s how STEP 1 Select healthy growth of 8–15cm long for cuttings. STEP 2 Fill the container of a mini greenhouse with potting mix and dampen. STEP 3 Decant hormone gel or powder into a small container. Remove leaves on lower half of cutting, so you have a bare stem, then dip end into hormone. Immediately pot up cutting. Keep the air around cuttings humid by putting lid on greenhouse. Tips Make a clean cut for cutting. An alternative to commercial rooting hormone is honey (a natural antiseptic) or Vegemite (yeast extract).…

SELF-WATERING SYSTEM No more over or underwatering! The Edyn sensor range monitors your plants’ environment and is fully integrated into an app. If you install the Water Valve it can also act as a self-timing system. This will ensure your existing irrigation system only gives your plants exactly what they need. US$69 (ships to Australia), edyn.com. ever wanted to ask your plants a question – like ‘When should I plant you?’ or ‘Why aren’t you growing?’ Well, now you can, almost! Here’s a handy list of the newest garden technology around. Possum deterrent Got problems with possums? Introducing the latest technology in repelling animals. It’s solar powered and uses sonic and ultrasonic capabilities. The Solar Animal Away Elite repels a wide range of critters and birds, including possums! It’s simple…

you want gorgeous skin? Of course you do. Are you spending the equivalent of a small nation’s annual GDP in pursuit of same? Not necessary! For less than the cost of your morning cappuccino and a bagel, you can treat your skin to products containing one of nature’s simplest yet most effective moisturising gifts. WHAT IS IT? Lanolin is as old as time and has no comparable synthetic equivalent. It is actually a precious, oily secretion from the skin of sheep; as it seeps into their fleeces, it protects them from the wind, cold and damp. After shearing, the pure lanolin oil is extracted from wool and refined into products that offer us similar protective, healing benefits. LANOLIN... •Has water-repellent properties to help lock in moisture. •Hydrates and heals dry,…

Liquid jojoba contains all the essential nutrients and vitamins your skin cells need to regenerate and rejuvenate. It also happens to mimic the skin’s natural oils, which means your skin allows it to penetrate deeper under the surface, where this cell regeneration takes place. From here jojoba can replenish your skin’s natural resources, helping to nourish and restore damaged skin cells, to leave you with beautiful, problem-free, firmer looking skin. GET THE SKIN YOU WANT Jojoba is also antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, hypoallergenic and suitable for all skin types. So whatever your skin type and whatever your skincare needs, The Jojoba Company can help you get the skin you’ve always wanted. Available at leading pharmacies, health food stores and online at thejojobacompany.com.au HOW JOJOBA HELPS YOUR SKIN... The liquid plant extract…

LONG RUN TIME Powerful, cordless and with up to 75 minutes runtime, the Bosch Athlet Runtime Plus handheld vacuum is the ideal cleaning companion for your home. With an accessory kit for those hardto- reach places, it helps keep your home clean with ease. Visit bosch-home.com.au DISCOVER THE SKIN SOLUTION FOR YOU Discover the right products for your skin type when you take the QV skin hydration test. Like most of us, Kate Ritchie’s skincare needs are constantly changing, that’s why she uses a range of QV products. Head to qvskincare.com.au/skin-solution and discover the QV solution that’s right for you. POWER PACKED New NIVEA Cellular Anti-Age Volume Filling Pearls have the highest concentration of Hyaluronic Acid within the NIVEA face care range, plus a collagen booster and creatine. Increase skin…

Easy step-by-step CHOCO-CARAMEL POPCORN ICE-CREAM CAKE Preparation time 30 mins plus 7 hours freezing Cooking time nil Serves 12 4L Neapolitan ice-cream 1 cup dark chocolate Maltesers, plus extra to decorate 10 chocolate cream wafer biscuits, halved 1 cup mini mallows, plus extra to decorate ½ cup honey roasted macadamias, chopped 2 cups caramel popcorn, plus extra to decorate 200g block Caramello chocolate Store-bought salted caramel topping, to serve (or make your own, see recipe below right) Sparklers, to decorate (optional) STEP 1 Grease a 22cm round springform tin with baking paper, extending 3cm above the tin. Use a knife to separate the chocolate ice-cream, put in a large bowl and set aside for 10 minutes. Return remaining ice-cream to freezer. STEP 2 Use a large spoon to beat chocolate…

Glow in the dark 1 Add a magical gleam to your garden with coloured tea light holders. Hang them from branches, gates, pergola beams or anywhere you can. PS, make your own with old jars, glass paint and wire. TAKE OFF YOUR HAT! 2 Outdoor dining doesn’t have to mean plastic cups and paper plates. Pick up your table and chairs, and pop them in the garden – just check the weather forecast first. Go all out with crystal glasses, cloth napkins and pretty posies at each place setting. And, use the stylist’s trick of using what you have on hand to decorate with sunhats. POTTY DAZZLER 3 Leave your vases inside and use pots for alfresco floral arrangements. Put a block of oasis in a clean terracotta pot, then…

FESTIVE FABRIC BOWS WHAT YOU’LL NEED 2 metres Christmas fabric (110cm wide) 2 metres fusing Sewing machine, scissors, pins, thread and iron SMALL BOW Bottom layer. 6 strips x 80cm x 10cm + 3 strips the same size in fusing Middle layer. 6 strips x 65cm x 10cm + 3 strips the same size in fusing Centre loop. 1 strip x 25cm x 10cm + 1 strip the same size in fusing BIG BOW Bottom layer. 6 strips x 100cm x 15cm + 3 strips the same size in fusing Middle layer. 6 strips x 75cm x 15cm + 3 strips the same size in fusing Centre loop. 1 strip x 35cm x 15cm + 1 strip the same size in fusing STEP 1 Once you have cut out all…

are you ready for an influx of guests for the coming month of entertaining? No? Then rethink your decor with these beautiful ideas inspired by the garden and the sea. Bright and cheerful, serene and restful, your home and garden will look its absolute best! 1 Bring your summer garden indoors with dashes of blooms – real and in print. For a quick refresh and an upbeat feel, scatter cushions in modern vintage floral designs in pinks, soft greys and blues. The curtains will add to the appeal but aren’t essential. 2 Glam up a garden chandelier with faux flowers and ribbons. No need for tricky bows – just loosely knot long lengths of ribbon and let them dance and sway. “In pots, on fabric or the garden fresh variety,…

ANTIPASTO WREATH Serves 6 6 x 25g Aldi Specially Selected Fresh Rosemary150g Aldi Specially Selected Puff Pastry Twists330g Aldi Specially Selected Salami with Truffles, thinly sliced, paper removed80g Aldi Specially Selected Prosciutto Di Parma2 cups Aldi Specially Selected Roasted & Salted Pistachios STEP 1 Thread rosemary sprigs onto an existing wreath or wire round. Tie with red twine to secure. STEP 2 Insert puff pastry twists. Top with salami, prosciutto and pistachios. Fill the centre with remaining twists, salami, prosciutto and pistachios. DRINKS AND NIBBLES Serves 6 2 x 200g packets Woolworths Macaroni Cheese Balls2L Woolworths Orange Juice, chilled750ml Porta Dante Prosecco, chilled (from BWS)150g packet Woolworths Festive Puff Pastry Savoury Biscuits1 punnet strawberriesBasil leaves, to garnish STEP 1 Line an oven tray with baking paper. Arrange cheese balls on…

This time of year is all about coming together to celebrate and share the Christmas spirit. At Woolies, you’ll find everything you need to make all your festive catch-ups a success. SHARE THE FUN ANYTIME Impromptu catch-ups are often the best ones. Pick up a couple of delicious cheeses, some olives, deli meats and crackers and you’ve got an antipasto platter in a flash! + MARVELLOUS MANGOES Kensington Pride and Calypso mangoes are at their best right now. A perfectly ripe mango has a tropical scent, is firm to the touch, and brings the taste of summer to salads, desserts and smoothies. + CHRISTMAS TREATS It’s just not Christmas without Woolworths’ Festive Fruit Mince Pies and Summer Berry Mince Pies. With no artificial colours or flavours, these will always be…

CARAMEL DIPPED PEARS SERVES: 6 PREP TIME: 20 MINS COOK TIME: 20 MINS 6 pears 1.5L hot water 1 tsp vanilla bean paste 2 cinnamon sticks 1 pinch nutmeg 1 cup (220g) brown sugar Caramel sauce (see recipe at right) 150g toasted coconut flakes (optional) STEP 1 Place the hot water, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar in a saucepan on medium-high heat then add the pears so their stems face upright and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until they are just tender (you can test this by inserting a small knife into each pear). STEP 2 Remove the pears from the liquid and allow to completely cool in the fridge. Make the caramel sauce (see recipe below) and cool to room temperature. STEP 3 When the pears have cooled, dip…

who says renting means you can’t unleash your inner interior decorator and make the place feel like yours? This collection of tricks, tips and projects will have you sticking, leaning and propping like a pro – without the risk of losing your bond. It’s all about getting creative with what you’ve got – and that goes for you too, homeowners! SEEN ON BHG TV FRIDAYS 7.00…

with just a pile of fence palings and an old door, you can create a rustic display case to add lovely vintage charm to your garden. If you don’t have the materials lying around, check out your local recycler’s yard. Knock one up, it’s easy! free PROJECT SHEETS So it’s easy for you to follow, we’ve put the step-bystep instructions for these ideas on project sheets. The project sheets also include a complete list of the materials and tools you’ll need to do the job. To get your free project sheets, visit bhgshop.com.au/projectsheets and download them – it’s super-simple and you’ll have yours instantly! You can print it out on A4 paper or save it to your device of choice. And, while you’re there, you can browse for other projects…

summer’s hot temps (or winter’s chilly days) mean your energy usage can skyrocket, along with your bills. The smart solution is to reduce your use, but you don’t need to swelter or strip down to your undies (or shiver) – just implement these easy and inexpensive ideas. Close off exhaust fans An exhaust fan removes air from your home even when it’s not on. Not ideal for all the cool air straight out of the air conditioner! If installing a new exhaust fan, choose a model with a built-in air damper to seal it off when not in use. You can also buy backdraught dampers for about $35, which retrofit to existing fans. DraftStoppa Ceiling Exhaust Fan Cover, $35, Bunnings Warehouse. Make your head more efficient It’s easy to lose…

here are two clever pool solutions. The pool left is now a pond while the biofiltration bed, above, includes multiple layers of gravel and a range of plants including oxygenators and algae-eaters. Pool water is pumped through the bed before being returned as clean water.…

while citrus trees aren’t high maintenance, if you show them TLC at the right time, they’ll reward you for years to come. Trim lightly Citrus don’t need an annual prune to fruit, but it’s a good idea to give them a trim to remove dead or diseased branches, low-hanging stems and any branches growing inward. Feed lots The trees are big feeders, so look to give them a well-balanced fertiliser such as Richgro Black Marvel Premium Fruit & Citrus Food. Water well before and after feeding and apply every season for best results. Mulch right After feeding, water well and apply a thick layer of mulch, like sugarcane or pea straw. This helps control weeds, retain soil moisture and keep soil cool. Spray well You’re not the only one who…

When it comes to retirement, success is in the planning. It’s worth taking the time to get your super into shape, and, if you have a partner, to plan your future together. One very helpful resource that can help you to set your retirement goals is your Industry SuperFund. They can help you explore all your options to help maximise your retirement income. It’s just one more reason why you’re better off with an Industry SuperFund. WORK OUT YOUR GOALS Once you’ve decided when to retire, your next step is to write a plan that outlines how you would like it to look. Take into account when you want to retire, whether to semi or fully retire, and how much super you will need. Try using a retirement calculator to…

plant now FLOWERS All zones Alyssum, marigold, petunia, portulaca, salvia, snapdragon, verbena and zinnia. Zones 2-6 Ageratum, amaranthus, aquilegia, aster, coleus, gerbera, impatiens, linaria, nasturtium, pansy, phlox, poppy, stock and wallflower. Zones 7-8 Begonia, cosmos, gomphrena, sunflower, torenia and vinca. VEGETABLES All zones Beans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, cress, leek, lettuce, spring onion, radish, rhubarb and silverbeet. Zones 2-6 Beetroot, brussels sprout, carrots, endive, herbs, kohlrabi, parsnip, swede and turnip. Zones 7-8 Artichoke suckers, capsicum, celery, cucumber, eggplant, kohlrabi, marrow, melon, okra, potato tubers, squash, sweet corn, sweet potato tubers, tomatoes and zucchini. KEY TO CLIMATE ZONES 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…

Times are in Australian Eastern Standard Time, AEST. This applies to NSW, the ACT, Qld, Vic and Tas. For SA and NT, deduct half an hour. For WA, deduct two hours. During Daylight Saving Time, add one hour. How to use the calendar 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…

Summer can be both kind and cruel to our skin. The fresh air and higher humidity can be a blessing, but UV exposure and hotter temperatures can be a curse. At Priceline Pharmacy you can treat yourself, or someone you love, to the gift of beautiful skincare. Prices are Priceline’s normal national selling prices and are subject to change. Prices and stock may vary from store to store and online. While stock lasts. LOVE YOUR LIPS Protect lips with a moisturising balm with an SPF, and make them pop with colour that also nourishes. DEEP CLEAN Charcoal is the word on everyone’s lips right now, loved for its purifying, oil-absorbing properties, especially for combination or oily skin prone to breakouts or congestion. GIFT FINDER USE OUR ONLINE GIFT FINDER TO…

some of us are jolly, happy ‘morning’ people who bound out of bed eager and ready to face the day. And some of us are… not. Some of us hate the alarm with the heat of a thousand suns as it screams for us to get the heck up! With lots on your plate as the silly season hits full stride, you need a foolproof plan to rise refreshed and raring to go. So, you bring the espresso and danish, and we’ll bring some tried-and-true ways to help you wake up with a healthier, sunnier disposition. GOOD IDEAS • Stay well hydrated; kick off the morning with a large glass of water. • Eat lots of fresh fruit and vegies. • Go easy on the booze. • Make time for…

do you sometimes wonder if the universe is messing with you, deliberately placing certain people in your path for the sole purpose of testing your patience and general goodwill? Let’s face it, people can be exhausting, especially if they’re not having a great day; maybe they’re demanding, unreasonable, whiny, or have left their manners at home. SEEING RED? This can be particularly true during the silly season when tempers are short and parking spots rare! Sometimes it’s tough to avoid the perps. Passive-aggressive relative anyone? Some are harder to confront – calling out a mean-spirited boss, for example, might not be your best plan. And what about the complete strangers whose rudeness astounds? You know them, the blatant queue jumpers, personal space invaders, road ragers or those who proffer unsolicited,…

monkeys, elephants, tigers and more! Why not let the wild jungle inspire your next birthday party? Check out these ideas, which even Tarzan would love! 1 Take a walk on the wild side! Create an arch that leads your party pals from the deck to safari adventures in your backyard. To make: bend a length of PVC pipe into an arch, use cable ties to secure to posts, then load the arch with balloons and cardboard leaf shapes. Just tie and tape them into position until the archway is looking nice and full. 2 Travel through the dense forest! Mimic the look of lowhanging ferns and dense forest views by hanging strips of green paper or plastic from the roof of your deck. Just cut the lengths with scissors and…

YOUR SHOPPING DIRECTORY Adairs 1300 783 005, adairs.com.au A’kin akin.com.au Aldi aldi.com.au Annie Sloan anniesloan.com Ansan Outdoor Furniture ansanoutdoor.com.au Aura by Tracie Ellis aurahome.com.au Batiste 1800 222 099, batistehair.com.au Bed Bath N’ Table bedbathntable.com.au Beefeater beefeaterbbq.com.au Better Homes and Gardens Shop bhgshop.com.au Blackbird & Fox blackbirdandfox.com.au Bose bose.com.au Brother brother.com.au Bunnings Warehouse (03) 8831 9777, bunnings.com.au Cedel cedelhair.com.au Coles coles.com.au Colorbond Steel colorbond.com Crabtree & Evelyn crabtree-evelyn.com.au Cristal d’Arques, cristaldarquesparis.com/au/ Cyclone 1800 335 019, cyclone.com.au Dove 1800 061 027, dove.com/au Dremel dremel.com.au Elvive lorealparis.com.au Energizer energizer.asia/en-au/ Essie www.essie.com.au Filofax filofax.com.au Fiskars fiskars.com.au Freedom 1300 135 588, freedom.com.au Ginger Lifestyle gingerlifestyle.com.au Harper Collins harpercollins.com.au Harvey Norman 1300 464 278, harveynorman.com.au Heaven in Earth heaveninearth.com.au HOW handsonworkshop.com.au JB Hi-Fi jbhifi.com.au Karibou Art Co karibouartco.com.au Kester Black kesterblack.com Klorane klorane.com.au Kmart 1800 124…

play professional bartender and swank up your next barbie or pool party with crowd-pleasing cocktails – swim-up bar anyone? They look amazing but are seriously simple to make, with no special tools needed. Made with booze you’ll have on hand or can easily pick up at the shops, these party and holiday faves are the taste of the season. “Fabulous to look at and fantastic from first sip to last, these easy-make bevvies leave more time for fun” Blueberry mojito Give this classic Cuban cocktail a taste twist with fresh berries and ginger beer. Pomegranate frosé The name of this adults-only slushie is a mash up of the words ‘frozen’ and ‘rosé’. How deliciously clever! Elderflower punch If you ever needed a reason to grow your own cucumbers, this fresh…

festive season favourites in the Northern Hemisphere, poinsettias are also coaxed into bloom Down Under – just in time for Christmas. Use them to dress up entertaining areas (inside or out), or decorate with a lovely ribbon to create an impromptu gift. 1, 2 Simply red no longer, poinsettias come in a range of gorgeous colours these days, including pink, cream, salmon, gold and lime. Display a few in pots, zhooshed up with gold or glitter spray paint. 3 Carry your seasonal decos through to the front gate with a cute idea like this. Pop a pastel pink mini-poinsettia inside an enamel mug and tie it to the latch – your visitors will love the welcoming touch! You don’t need to repot – just slip the plastic nursery pot inside…

marvel at your own creativity and impress guests with these breathtakingly beautiful arrangements. The budding florist in you will find arranging them easier than you think. The flowers and foliage are intended as a guide, so feel free to substitute with any blooms and greenery from your garden, florist or supermarket. Hand tie your bouquet Celebrate colour glory by creating a spiral bouquet in red, pink and orange, with fillers of green. Follow the easy steps for this hand-tied arrangement and it will stand tall and straight in a vase or make a memorable gift. Substitute the blooms to suit the occasion or your colour scheme. Instructions on page 52 Country roses Forgo formal for country casual, where big blooms star and advanced floristry skills need not apply. For a…

a rich and creamy baked cheesecake is hard to beat. It’s the perfect solution for a Christmas Day spectacular, a New Year’s Eve dessert, a birthday cake or just a delicious afternoon sweet treat. You can add festive flavour with a hit of ginger, choose ripe berries for a fresh summer feel, or combine cherries, chocolate and coconut for a classic Black Forest combo. The simple biscuit base is easy, and the filling is just cream cheese, Nestlé sweetened condensed milk for sweetness, sour cream for a hint of tartness, and eggs for lightness. CLASSIC BAKED VANILLA CHEESECAKE Preparation time 25 mins plus 4 hours cooling and chilling Cooking time 1 hour 15 mins Serves 12 Cooking oil spray, to grease250g plain sweet biscuits(we used Marie biscuits)150g butter, melted2 x…

THIS IS AN EASY, DELICIOUS MIDWEEK MEAL THAT ALSO COMES UP BEAUTIFULLY THE NEXT DAY AS A COLD SNACK OR A GREAT SANDWICH FILLING BAKED PORK POLPETTE WITH PEAS, YOGHURT, DILL AND COBRAM ESTATE CHILLI INFUSED EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL Prep time 10 mins Cooking time 60 mins Serves 4 350ml chicken stock, hot 1 handful fresh breadcrumbs 3 handfuls frozen peas, thawed under hot water 2 handfuls dill fronds Cobram Estate Chilli Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil Salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper 200g natural yoghurt ½ lemon POLPETTE 3 tablespoons Cobram Estate Classic Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 brown onion, finely diced 3 garlic cloves, chopped Salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper 800g pork mince 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 tablespoon dried Greek oregano Zest of…

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SALTED CHOCOLATE PUFF PASTRY BRAIDS Preparation time 15 mins Cooking time 15 mins Serves 4 2 sheets ready rolled puffpastry, defrosted, chilled100g block Lindt salted darkchocolate, cut in half2 Tbsp chocolate hazelnut spread1 free-range egg, lightly beaten2 handfuls flaked almondsPure icing sugar, to dustDouble cream or ice-cream, to serve STEP 1 Preheat oven to 200°C fanforced (220°C conventional). Line an oven tray with baking paper. STEP 2 Lay 1 sheet of pastry on a clean dry surface. Cut one 2.5cm strip off 1 side to form a rectangle. Discard strip. Put ½ of the chocolate in centre of pastry. Spread 1 Tbsp of hazelnut spread on top. STEP 3 Referring to ‘How to cut pastry for braid’ picture (above), cut wedges out of corners of pastry to create 2 square…

step outside the square box of your yard and discover gardening in the round. Circular spaces offer wonderful intimacy, so they work brilliantly as outdoor living areas, especially if you include built-in seating and a fire pit. Be inspired by this clever design, created out of a disused above-ground pool – you could do the same with any circular space. 1 The brick wall of an original structure provides the starting point for the design. 2 Lay a surface without paving by using sand, blue metal and crushed granite. Install timber seating of treated pine and hardwood sleepers and finish the setting with cushions and a profusion of plants.…

bushland landscapes, with their textures of stone and wood, layered grasses and shrubs, offer a unique beauty. The look can be cleverly adapted to create equally unique gardens. This stunning example in Ballarat, Victoria, draws on its location’s history, geology, landscape and botany. It’s easy care and able to survive on natural rainfall in good times and bad. For more ideas, visit rblandscapes.com.au 1 Artfully arranged large rocks look good, and also keep the soil beneath cool and moist – ideal for trigger plant (Stylidium graminifolium) and the moss-like Canberra grass (Scleranthus biflorus). 2 Check out the lush shadehouse! The pond provides humidity for ferns and orchids. 4 GREAT IDEAS for you 1 NATURAL BEAUTY Large boulders and big weatherbeaten hollow logs make beautiful alternatives to sculpture or statuary. 2…

create something permanently lovely for the garden by making a living, growing wreath. Wonderful ornaments for dressing up outdoor rooms, these wreaths don’t need to be high-maintenance affairs – the trick is to plant succulents into a sphagnum moss base. 1 You can make an arrangement using only rosetteforming succulents, mixing up the colours for interest. 2 Attach your creation to your front gate to welcome guests at Christmas – or at any time of year. 3 Narrow wreath frames work just as well. Select small-leaved species, like sempervivums and sedums. 4 You can display succulent wreaths horizontally as well – they make great table decorations. 5 And the perfect spot to display your wreath – a tree trunk in your garden! HOW TO PLANT A WREATH Gather your supplies…

the season for decorating your tips and toes is here, but instead of reaching for your regular go-to shades, take this as a chance to be a bit more creative. The combination of unexpected nail shades not only looks sensational, it also more than doubles the thrill of having colourful digits. There are loads of fabulous new colours to choose from, so the possibilities are endless. Oh so feminine 1 Nail Colour in Peony, $19.95, Natio; and Kale’d It Nail Lacquer in Cocoa, $14.99, Raww. Teal the show 2 Nail Polish in Terrarium, $20, Kester Black; and In My Element Color Therapy, $16.95, Sally Hansen. Sorbet supreme 3 60 Seconds Flip Flop Collection in 406 Coral Blush, $5.95, Rimmel; and Gel Couture in 180 Dress Call, $16.95, Essie. GELS, ACRYLICS,…

SUN BEAR PROTECTION Protect yourself and help to protect sun bears as well. This Australian-made SPF50+ sunscreen is free of palm oil, fragrance and oxybenozone. It is not tested on animals and 80 per cent of the profits go towards protecting endangered sun bears, the world’s smallest bear. The cream is water resistant for two hours, suitable for the whole body and costs $34.95. It’s available from selected stockists. Visit sunbearsunscreen.com.au. Better posture If you suffer from neck or back pain, the cause may be poor posture, and the new wearable Upright Go device could help. When adhered to your back, it senses subtle movements and gently vibrates to heighten your awareness of slouching. The habit-forming device soon trains muscles and improves posture. Upright Go, $149.95, from Apple Stores or…

GIFT WRAP KIT 20 SHEETS OF PAPER (10 IN EACH DESIGN), 20 GIFT TAGS AND 8 METRES OF RIBBON FOR $19.95 FESTIVE CAKELET PANS 2 pans, one in each Christmas colour, for $19.95 SNOWFLAKE FESTIVE PANS 2 pans in our festive snowflake design for $19.95 CHRISTMAS DECO PEGS 24 Christmas decorating pegs, 10 sheets of wrapping paper and 4 metres of twine for $19.95 to buy yours today, visit bhgshop.com.au Offers available while stocks last. Please allow up to 14 business days for delivery. While every endeavour will be made to deliver within the specified time frame, if your parcel does not arrive on time, phone 1300 745 898. Offer available only within Australia. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, simply return within 30…