Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2019 i Better Homes and Gardens Australia

MIX & MATCH Inject a sense of fun into your next get-together with these simple tips: • A pastel tablecloth is an inexpensive way to set the mood and tie back to key pieces within the same colour palette.• Get creative with napery – a simple knot or twist adds playfulness and personality. The texture of White Basics Diamonds looks great mixed with our Tint collection. SUBTLE SOPHISTICATION For those moments that deserve a little more finesse and elegant flare: • Less is more – keep the colour palette simple to allow other accent pieces, including the meal, a canvas to shine upon.• Little touches like ribbon around cutlery or napery under first course plates show attention to detail and are a simple way to bring a sophisticated feel to…

LIKE THE HANGING GARDENS OF BABYLON OR THE ANCIENT BATHS OF ROME, THE PADDINGTON RESERVOIR GARDENS IS INSPIRING apartment living now your thing? You can learn how to turn your pocket of a garden space into a mini paradise by taking inspiration from an oasis that has risen from the ruins of one of Sydney’s first water stores. Like much of today’s high-density housing, this garden is ruled by hardscapes that have the potential to dominate any greenery. Instead the mass of bricks, slabs of concrete and a skeleton of iron have become warm homes to the collection of plants carefully selected for their environment. SHINE A LIGHT Outside the Paddington Reservoir Gardens, the noise of the traffic is ever present, while inside there is still the sense of utility.…

Garden Editor Much of the garden is sleeping now, but that’s no excuse to slacken off! FLOWERS ALL ZONES Alyssum, calendula, dianthus, primula, pansy, viola. ZONES 2-5 Candytuft, Canterbury bells, bellis, carnation, cornflower, forget-me-not, foxglove, polyanthus, poppy, snapdragon, stock, sweet pea, wallflower. ZONES 6-8 Aster, celosia, marigold, nasturtium, salvia, zinnia. VEGETABLES ALL ZONES Broad beans, cress, lettuce, mustard. Seeds of cress, lettuce, spinach. ZONES 2-5 Beetroot, cabbage, garlic, onion, peas, radish, silverbeet, spinach, rhubarb crowns. ZONES 6-8 Beans, beetroot, broccoli, leek, spring onion, sweet potato, turnip, zucchini.…

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. 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 1 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…

POSTER IT Original artworks can be costly. Posters, prints and photos are a way to address this expense, but framing them can quickly add up. Match the pieces you intend to buy to standard-size, inexpensive store-bought frames and you’ll save yourself a packet. GO CUSTOM WITHOUT THE TAG Thinking about custom blinds but worried they’ll blow the budget? You can get the look for less by going through an online retailer. You can order free swatches to check the fabrics and colours before you buy. You are guided through the measuring and ordering process, and you can even track your order. PAINT IT An unremarkable piece of furniture you barely notice anymore can be the one knockout piece your room is lacking. And the fix is cheap – paint and…

“If you only have one pasta sauce in your repertoire, make it rich and red” HOW TO MAKE YOUR BEST COFFEE If you’re making your own fresh pasta, don’t stop the Italian experience there. Turn your place into a trattoria with the scent of good food and real coffee. For barista-quality coffee with just one touch, the Dinamica Plus, $1699, from De’Longhi allows you to enjoy a perfectly crafted Italian espresso, cappuccino, flat white or latte – the choice is yours. Visit delonghicoffeemachines.com.au. STAINED GLASS RAVIOLI WITH FIG AND BALSAMIC Preparation time 45 mins plus 30 mins chilling Cooking time 10 mins Serves 4-5 (makes 30 ravioli) 400g plain flour, plus extra to dust Pinch fine salt4 free-range eggs¼ cup small flat-leaf parsley leaves500g fresh full-cream ricotta20g parmesan, finely grated,plus…

Fast, easy and delicious, this Asian takeaway favourite is super special! Better Homes and Gardens. 6 issues for only $15 when you subscribe to Better Homes and Gardens SAVE 62%! SEE PAGE 182 BAKED CUSTARD TARTS Preparation time 15 mins Cooking time 45 mins Makes 8 Cooking oil spray, to grease3 sheets store-bought frozen shortcrust pastry1 free-range egg white5 free-range egg yolks1 free-range egg2 Tbsp custard powder1 tsp vanilla extract500ml thickened cream250ml milk125g caster sugar1 whole nutmeg STEP 1 Preheat oven to 200°C fan-forced (220°C conventional). Lightly grease 8 x 10cm round foil pastry cases with cooking oil spray. Cut pastry sheets to fit tart shells. They will shrink a little, so allow them to overhang slightly. Line pastry cases with baking paper and fill with baking weights or dried…

try one or all of the eight wonderful projects we have for you, all made using ties! From sew to no-sew, home decor to your own wearable couture – you’ll be all tied up in no time. Raid dad or your man’s drawers. Otherwise, op shops are teeming with them. Jump onto the recycling bandwagon, you’ll not only feel good about it but you’ll have a lovely make to show for it. One person’s old tie is another maker’s treasure! “Don’t feel restricted to stripes and spots. Go wild with colours and patterns. You can even go floral – what about paisley?” IT’S A WRAP 3 These fun bracelets, created using tie offcuts and vintage buttons, are stiffened with plastic salvaged from soft drink bottles. Don’t go out and buy…

Why buy a run-of-the mill wall clock when you can add a distinctive feature to your decor. The charred wood technique used here is called Shou Sugi Ban and originates from Japan. Commonly used on exterior cladding, the burning process is a preservation treatment, as the charring protects timber from the weather and insects. While you don’t have to worry about these inside, you can take advantage of the decorative results.…

The Land Girls Victoria Purman, $29.99 War has engulfed Europe, and now the Pacific and Australia are fighting for its future. At the heart of this powerful and touching story is the bond of friendship forged by Flora, Lillian and Betty, three resilient women who leave their communities to join the Australian Women’s Land Army to support their loved ones fighting at the front. The Land Girls is a moving tale of love, loss and survival against the odds. “I’m so excited about this book, which is the experiences of three young women during World War 2”VICTORIA PURMAN, AUTHOR The Path Made Clear Oprah Winfrey, $34.99 Sharing her own life lessons and the personal stories that set the course for her life, Oprah Winfrey draws on the wisdom and teachings…

Beauty Editor IF YOU APPLY ALL OVER POWDER AFTER FOUNDATION DO THIS INSTEAD Use it sparingly – only powder areas where shine develops. WHY Powder can be too drying, enhancing dullness and wrinkles. Use a luminous-finish foundation to give your skin a fresher glow. TRY Radiance Lift Foundation, $39.95, Max Factor. IF YOU APPLY THE SAME SOFT SHADE OF LIPSTICK DO THIS INSTEAD Pump up the colour! WHY After 40, it’s harder to pull off a nude lip. Whereas a pink or coral will give you a lift. If you’re colour shy, dab (don’t swipe) it on straight from the tube and blend with a fingertip or brush for a blurred finish. TRY Smoothie Lip Colour Crayons, $18.95 each, Natio. IF YOU LINE YOUR UPPER AND LOWER LASHES IN BLACK DO THIS…

BUY NOW! EXCLUSIVE KIT OFFERS CHOOSE YOUR YARN AND COLOURWAY Available in two yarn types and three gorgeous colourways, each kit includes knitting and crochet instructions. Finished throw sizes: 150 x 170cm (knit) 120 x 170cm (crochet) EACH KIT INCLUDES • 30 balls of Cleckheaton Country 8ply yarn 50g OR 14 balls of Panda Magnum 8ply yarn 100g in your chosen colourway • 5mm knitting needles, 5mm crochet hook and yarn needle (for sewing up) • Instruction leaflet MANTLE OF SAFETY THROW KIT Knit or crochet this bright throw, which has been inspired by the colours and diversity of our vast land. CLONCURRY THROW KIT Showcasing the landscape colours surrounding Cloncurry, each throw is knitted or hooked in four separate strips and joined to make one larger piece. VICTORY THROW…

Rock your world! Page 48 Project supplies Bunnings Reo mesh. Mesh clips. Cable ties. Local landscape suppliers Stones. Sandstone slab. Recycled sleepers. Have a belle of a bathroom, page 66 Compact Beauty: Seneca Textiles Osborne & Little Derwent koi carp wallpaper, $235 per roll (10 x 0.52m). Fall for Blush: Norsu Interiors Bathroom renovation. Norsu Home Middle of Nowhere Bjorn oval mirror, $235. Similar Behr & Co large brass vessel, $79.95. Perini Tiles Similar tiles. Noodco Bowl coloured concrete basin in Blush Pink (more colours available). Sussex Taps Similar tapware. All tied up, page 114 Project supplies Bunnings Sandpaper. Paint. Paintbrush. Spotlight Dress making pins. Staple gun. Seam ripper. Assorted fabric. Cushion inserts. Polyester fiberfill. Template plastic. Felt. Pearl beads. Faceted beads. Brooch pins. Press studs. Buttons. Zipper. Studio Mio…

PURPLE This represents admiration, respect and dignity. Most importantly it’s about royalty. WHITE Humility, innocence and purity, elegance and beauty. PINK Grace, joy and happiness. RED Passion and desire, as well as courage and strength. YELLOW Friendship, joy and fresh beginnings. ORANGE Enthusiasm, boldness and pride. GREEN Good fortune, good health and longevity. BLUE Orchids don’t come in true blue, but blue tints represent rarity.…

BE A SCAVENGER Pick up fallen branches and twigs with interesting or quirky forms, textures or colours. A good find is gum tree twigs that have dropped to the ground with leaves and clusters of nuts still attached. They will eventually dry but not drop off, giving background and volume to an arrangement, as well as offsetting the flowers’ vibrant colours. LEARN TO BORROW Take little potted plants from around your home and position them, still in their pots, within the arrangement’s container. Gorgeous! THINK ABOUT FOLIAGE A leaf’s individuality – its shape, size and colour – can be overlooked when part of a tree or shrub. It’s surprising how dramatic a leafy stem can look when isolated from the crowd. And leaves last longer when still on a stem.…

A HARSH BEAUTY What strikes me is that such a minimal quantity of plants creates such a lush effect. The cathedral-like structure is very dominant, very powerful. Only about 30 per cent of the landscape is plants, while twothirds of it is taken up with hard surfaces. This place is friendly, it’s an oasis. There’s lots of concrete, bricks and steel that have a beauty of their own – and the plants don’t detract from that. The plants really work. CLEVER SELECTION The designers have been clever in that they’ve selected plants that suit the space’s special microclimate. It’s just the sort of thing you’d want to adapt for courtyards or on high-rise balconies. It’s a small garden, but it’s highly effective.…

Fire signs Aries and Sagittarius are in harmony with all fruit. Leo is in harmony with nuts and all seed-producing crops Earth signs Capricorn and Taurus are in harmony with all root vegetables that produce crops below the ground, including garlic. Virgo is in harmony with all herbs. Air signs Libra, Aquarius and Gemini are in harmony with plants that produce flowers and perfumes. Water signs Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are in harmony with above-ground crops, including trees, shrubs, lawns, and leafy, juicy and fleshy vegetables.…

Decorating Editor Pretty sorbet shades offer a desirable vintage vibe yet are so thoroughly modern they’ll inspire you to pick up a paintbrush or switch out your furnishings. Then again, if you’re an all-white or all-grey minimalist, just a flash of this colour duo is enough to rock the trend and make an impact.…

Sesame seeds add texture and flavour to these energy bars SESAME, HONEY AND APRICOT ENERGY STICKS Preparation time 25 mins plus overnight chilling Cooking time nil Makes 12 Cooking oil spray, for greasing2 Tbsp sesame seeds, toasted1⅓ cups natural almonds1¼ cups pitted dates¼ cup pepitas1 Tbsp tahini1 Tbsp honey⅓ cup chopped dried apricots¼ cup desiccated coconut STEP 1 Grease 2 waffle stick pans with cooking oil spray. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Tap pan to distribute seeds evenly over hollows in pan. STEP 2 Process almonds, dates and pepitas in a food processor until finely chopped. Add tahini and honey. Process until mixture starts to clump together. Add apricots and coconut. Process for a further 10-20 seconds until mixture is well combined. STEP 3 Divide mixture evenly among waffle stick pan…

CHUNKY PORK AND PARMESAN RAGU Preparation time 10 mins Cooking time 2½ hours Serves 4-6 750g pork shoulder, cubed100g Calabrese salami, diced2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil1 leek, chopped2 sticks celery, chopped4 cloves garlic, crushed1 bunch thyme, finely chopped2 Tbsp tomato paste500ml beef stock1 parmesan rindSea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to seasonPolenta, spinach and walnuts, to serve STEP 1 Put a large heavy-based saucepan over moderate heat. Fry pork and salami in extra virgin olive oil for 5 minutes, until browned. Add leek, celery, garlic and thyme, then cook for a further 10 minutes, stirring often. STEP 2 Add tomato paste, cooking until it begins sticking to the bottom of saucepan, then pour in stock. Add rind, reduce heat to low, then season. Fit pan with a lid…

Make this super-soft bolster cushion and you’ll want to snuggle up with it, again and again! Using chunky yarn, it’s totally doable in an evening – even if you’re a knitting newbie. And needles aren’t necessary – just use your hands, and wool from bhgshop.com.au. DOWNLOAD THE PATTERN For the step-by-step pattern to make this bolster, go to bhgshop.com.au/projectsheets and download the pattern – it’s super-simple and you’ll have it instantly! 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 you might love, too! SHOP To buy the kit, visit bhgshop.com.au or phone 1300 745 898…

The laundry is often the smallest room in the home and, even if you’re lucky enough to have a big one, it’s not an area that’s top of the reno list. If your laundry is old and inefficient – or non-existent – here’s how to install one from scratch without breaking the bank. The trick is flat-pack cabinetry and a bit of easy woodwork. EASY STEPS TO MAKE A MINI TIMBER LADDER Gather your supplies Offcut of hardwood panel 350 x 19mm pine dowels (3) You’ll also need Circular saw; measuring tape; pencil; combination square; 19mm spade bit; drill; masking tape; clamp; belt sander; Sikabond PVA glue; sandpaper; varnish; paintbrush Here’s how STEP 1 Use circular saw to cut 33mm wide and 500mm long strips from the offcuts of the…

Don’t head to the shops for a Mother’s Day gift, head to a hardware store instead. That’s where you’ll find all the materials you’ll need to make her a gift that’s not only personal but practical. With simple techniques and a few basic tools, you can use your hands to make a gift that’s from the heart. Gather your supplies 40 x 12mm x 1.2m pine 184 x 19mm x 1.2m pine 19mm x 1.2m pine dowel 12mm x 1.2m pine dowel 6mm x 1.2m pine dowel 75mm lazy susan bearing plate You’ll also need Combination square; pencil; tenon saw; chisel; various sandpaper grades; Sikabond PVA glue; drill; 19, 6 and 12mm spade bits; clamp; hammer; rag; 30 and 16mm wood screws; interior varnish stain in black; paintbrush; adhesive felt…

Visit domayne.com.au to browse our full range of furniture, bedding and homewares. †Single and king single quilt cover sets each consist of 1 x quilt cover and 1 x standard pillowcase. Double, queen, king and super king quilt cover sets each consist of 1 x quilt cover and 2 x standard pillowcases. *Single and king single sheet sets each consist of 1 x fitted sheet, 1 x flat sheet and 1 x standard pillowcase. Double, queen, king and super king sheet sets each consist of 1 x fitted sheet, 1 x flat sheet and 2 x standard pillowcases. Domayne® stores are operated by independent franchisees. Advertised prices valid at New South Wales stores only. Prices may vary between states due to additional freight costs. Promotion ends 30/06/2019.…

“Give dry skin the elbow!”HELEN MIRREN With age comes wisdom. And with that comes the confidence of knowing what works for you. It’s the power that comes from being comfortable in your own skin. So what if we told you that your best skin is yet to come? DEEPLY NOURISHING The skincare experts at L’Oréal Paris have created a range designed to nourish and protect mature skin. Age Perfect Intense Nutrition is a new complete skincare solution, and it’s enriched with the natural power of Manuka honey. THE REPAIRING POWER OF MANUKA Manuka honey is famous for its healing properties and unique nutrients. From the age of 50, the skin starts to lose its reserves of essential nutrients, resulting in dryness, sagging and uneven skin texture. Designed specifically for mature…

alaska is one of the world’s great cruise and wilderness destinations and it’s a big hit with Australians, who love the wide open spaces and gorgeous natural scenery that USA’s 49th and largest state offers in abundance. Images of furry black and brown bears, bald eagles, cute otters and breaching whales all help to paint a picture of a divine wilderness destination calling out to come and visit. There are ways to cruise Alaska that will suit some people and not others, so choose your options carefully. Here’s what you need to know. GO THE INSIDE PASSAGE This is the big one. It’s the cruising superhighway offered by the big names like Holland America and Princess in a well-rehearsed drill. It’s affordable and comfortable, and if this is your only…

Adairs adairs.com.au Albi albi.com.au Amalfi amalfihomewares.com.au Amart amartfurniture.com.au Arthouse Co arthouseco.com.au Barefoot Gypsy barefootgypsy.com.au Beaumont Tiles beaumont-tiles.com.au BHG Shop bhgshop.com.au Bosch bosch-home.com.au Bourjois bourjois.com/au Bristol bristol.com.au Bunnings bunnings.com.au Castle and Things castleandthings.com.au Caroma caroma.com.au Country Road countryroad.com.au Covergirl 1800 812 663 Designer Brands dbcosmetics.com.au Dulux dulux.com.au Freedom freedom.com.au IKEA ikea.com.au Inika Organic inikaorganic.com KMART kmart.com.au Leif leifproducts.com L’Oreal Paris lorealparis.com.au Lorraine Lea Lorrainelea.com Luma lumabeauty.com Lysaght lysaght.com Max Factor 1800 812 663 MRD Home mrdhome.com.au Natio natio.com.au Noodco noodco.com.au Norsu Home/ Norsu Interiors norsu.com.au Perini Tiles perini.com.au Pony Rider ponyrider.com.au Provincial Home Living provincialhomeliving.com.au Reece reece.com.au Rimmel London rimmellondon.com/au Rogue rogue.com.au Seneca Textiles senecatextiles.com Schots Home Emporium schots.com.au Slimtop slimtop.com.au Spotlight spotlightstores.com Studio Mio studiomio.com.au Sussex Taps sussextaps.com.au Tara Dennis Store taradennisstore.com Taubmans taubmans.com.au The Interior Designer theinteriordesigner.com.au The Lost…

every few years, it’s a great joy to redesign the magazine, to freshen it, give it a bright new facelift and make it easier and even more delightful for you to turn from page to page. Yes, yes, but while we do this we are still absolutely dedicated to loading you up with ideas, inspiration and information to make your home as wonderful as it can be for the people who matter most to you. We plan to deliver that with exquisite images to take your breath away, or with hard-working pictures to help you undertake and make any of the projects that take your fancy. For your reading pleasure we have collected a whole new range of lovely typefaces for what we write for you, then captured, captioned and…

WHAT TO CHOOSE With elegant and long-living flowers, the moth orchid (Phalaenopsis spp) is the perfect indoor plant with an imperfect name – ‘butterfly’ orchid seems more appropriate! In the tropics most orchids flower in the wild all year round. In Australia, where they are best kept indoors, flowering depends on where you are. Most stop blooming in spring or autumn. CONDITIONS Give your moth warmth, moisture and a shady place with morning sunlight, or bright, indirect light. CARING FOR IT Winter heating keeps it warm, but this may dry out the growing medium so check its moisture regularly. Water only the medium, not the leaves. Instead lightly spray about – not on – leaves. Don’t let water pool in the centre as this causes rot. In summer, keep it…

Vegetable leaves are amazing – large, textured and with colourful veins…

SCENE STEALER Remember the saying, ‘if only walls could talk’? Well, the same phrase could apply to furniture – beautiful furniture bearing the charming character scars of long and loving service. If you have a fave piece that’s been in the family since forever, or you’ve bought the perfect specimen, use colour to highlight it just as an artwork, hung low, does here. CLEARLY GORGEOUS A little bit of this, a little bit of that – embrace the old, bring in the new and let texture and calming pinks or blues bridge the gap between now and then. Here, a contemporary drum shade covered in a hand-blocked pink fabric teams with a glass lamp base, which rests on a metal table worn and textured by time. feather your nest Are…

STEP INTO DOMAYNE AND SEE THE MANY BEAUTIFUL VISIONS FROM FURNITURE BY DESIGN. AND WITH DOMAYNE, THEY CAN WORK WITH THE FABRIC YOU WANT, THE CUSHION COMFORT THAT WORKS FOR YOU, THE STAIN YOU PREFER, AND THE SIZE AND CONFIGURATION THAT FITS YOUR HOME. TOGETHER THEY ARE COMMITTED TO A PROMISE OF INNOVATION, QUALITY AND SERVICE, NOW AND INTO THE FUTURE. Domayne is passionate about Australian Made and therefore collaborates with FBD. Getting to choose your configuration and specfications is a big advantage, and adhering to Australia’s high standards in furniture manufacturing brings peace of mind, but it’s also the quality you get when your piece is made by experienced craftsmen who understand every intricate detail. Furniture by Design is so committed to Australian Made that even their state-of-the-art cutting…

Mandarins have to be one of nature’s best convenience foods. Not only do they come in their own biodegradable, easy to peel wrapper, their juicy segments are also a cinch for little fingers to separate into bite-sized pieces. Plus, they’re absolutely delicious, with sweet flesh bursting with flavour. Mandarins are the perfect snack on the go or at your desk. They’re a healthy lunchbox essential and also a source of vitamin C. Did you know, they can also bring a tangy citrus flavour to Asian-inspired recipes? To celebrate the start of the Australian mandarin season, Woolworths is sharing this great recipe and more, so you can get inspired for winter and enjoy the best fresh produce the new season has to offer. MANDARIN RICE PAPER ROLLS Preparation time: 30 mins…

SPARKLING BATHROOMS Even the most dated bathrooms can have a few budget tweaks to improve their appearance. Scrape out any mould-affected grout and silicone and replace it. Taps and spouts may be able to be changed without the need for a plumber for a fresh look. If your budget allows, replace the toilet suite (seat at least), vanity and shower screen. You could also consider having dated tiles professionally sprayed for a more comprehensive change. BOOST STREET APPEAL When it comes to real estate, first impressions are hugely important. You don’t want potential buyers to change their mind and keep on driving! Start with a good clean of paths, the driveway, walls and eaves using a pressure washer. If your home has a dated colour scheme, bring it into the…

Gather your supplies 900 x 600 x 9mm plywood Clock mechanism kit You’ll also need Straight edge; marker pen; scrap plywood; nail; hammer; drill; various drill bits; router fitted with a straight cut bit; router guide; 120-grit sandpaper; circular saw; gas blowtorch; brush; spray-on matt varnish Here’s how STEP 1 Draw a line across the plywood 450mm from one end. Also draw a line at least 450mm long down the centre of the sheet. STEP 2 On a scrap piece of plywood, tap in a nail towards one end. Drill holes 210 and 160mm from the nail. Make the holes large enough to fit the tip of your marker pen. Nail scrap piece to plywood where the marked lines intersect. Insert the pen into each hole and rotate it to…

Nothing sets a blissful mood quite like the glow of a fragranced candle. Now the home fragrance experts from Glade® have upped the ante with their new boutique-inspired three wick design that lets you enjoy even more of the glow and fragrance you love. With superior self-trimming wick technology and expertly blended wax, the range of fragrances infused with essential oils have been created by master perfumers and are elegantly presented in premium quality French candle jars. SHEER VANILLA EMBRACE® A fragrance that evokes a sense of modern comfort. Top notes of sweet florals are wrapped delicately around creamy vanilla and gentle base notes of white woods. AVAILABLE ONLY AT WOOLWORTHS…

ACUPUNCTURE EXPLAINED An all-natural, drug-free relief from acute and chronic ailments – that’s the promise of acupuncture. If you’ve always steered clear because you’re afraid of needles, it’s time for a rethink. From achy joints to anxiety, skin troubles to insomnia, acupuncture could help change the way you manage some of life’s little (and not so little) health challenges. Q WHAT IS IT? A Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing practice. Super-fine needles are inserted at strategic points on the body to help release blocked energy pathways that can lead to illness and/or pain. Q THE THEORY? A The belief is that a life force known as ‘qi’ or ‘chi’, flows through our bodies via energy channels called meridians. When this life force is interrupted, trouble ensues. Depending on your…

RE-PACK YOUR SUITCASE Dragging a big suitcase can be a nightmare – think navigating airports and hotels without elevators with that behemoth. There’s a better way. Pull out your case and pack everything you think you need for your upcoming trip. Now, take a look at everything in there and really question if you need that extra pair of jeans or second dress shirt. CHOOSE YOUR PLANE SEAT Heading on a long-haul flight? Do not, under any circumstances, leave your seat selection until the airport check-in – you may end up in the middle of the middle row. Some airlines charge for booking seats until online check-in becomes available 24 to 48 hours prior to flying. If you don’t want to pay, set an alarm to login at the time…

A TOUCH OF CLASS LivingStyles.com.au is an online retailer specialising in top-quality home furnishings for customers with a taste for the latest and best designs at great prices. Choose from their permanent online showroom with thousands of products from premium brands in furniture, lighting, kitchenware, rugs and many more must-have products. FIT FOR A LADY Safety and fashion footwear designed by women … to fit women correctly and comfortably. Seven safety styles in 10 colours, three fashion leather boot options, a range of gum boots, plus workwear and PPE all designed for women! Comfy, functional and stylish! Visit shewear.com.an INVEST WITH THE BEST Concerned about falling property prices and returns from residential investments? Commercial retail shops are an attractive option for Australian property investors. Phillip King has published a how-to…

MACRO FRUIT From smoothies to ice-creams and breakfast bowls, the new Macro Organic Frozen Fruit range is great for adding a burst of natural sweetness to your favourite recipes. Exclusively available at Woolworths, be sure to visit the freezer aisle so that you can enjoy the goodness! COMPACT DESIGN Where contemporary design meets performance, the Kazan freestanding wood-burning fireplace delivers thermal efficiency while maintaining elegance. The rippled surface and fine details give this fireplace a distinct contemporary style and enhanced performance through an increased heat exchange surface. Visit oblica.com.au MOTHER'S DAY OFFER With the Mother’s Day Magazine Offer, give Mum the gift of ‘me time’ this Mother’s Day. Whether she’s into health, fashion, home or the latest celeb gossip, you’ll be able to make her day with her fave magazine…