Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2019 i Better Homes and Gardens Australia

We’re off and running with all the preparations we need to make this exciting season very busy buzzy and especially full of love. And you don’t have to look far to see the joy it brings – because spin around a little and you’ll see it in everyone’s faces. And isn’t that really what we work towards, making those who matter to us happy – family, friends and whomever else’s joy counts. A big smile from any of these is one of the best reasons for the silly season. We’re hooked on faces in here, too, to make you and yours smile! And you don’t have to look far to find them. Fall head over heels with our wee people in Handmade for Christmas, on page 18, and I especially…

FILL MASON JARS WITH MAKE-BELIEVE SNOW AND COOKIE CREATIONS FOR A VERY YUMMY CHRISTMAS GINGERBREAD CUT-OUTS Preparation time 15 mins plus 1 hour chilling Cooking time 8 mins Makes 36 (depending on shape) 180g unsalted butter, softened½ cup caster sugar1 tsp baking powder1 tsp ground ginger½ tsp bicarbonate of soda½ tsp ground cinnamon½ tsp ground cloves¼ tsp salt½ cup golden syrup or molasses1 free-range egg1 Tbsp cider vinegar3 cups plain flour, plus extra, to dust STEP 1 Put butter in large bowl of an electric mixer and beat on high for 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking powder, ground ginger, bicarb, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Beat until combined and pale, scraping sides of bowl as needed. Beat in golden syrup, egg and vinegar. Mix in as much flour as you can with…

STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE TARTLETS Preparation time 25 mins plus 3 hours chilling Cooking time 15 mins Makes 24 1 cup plain flour¼ cup caster sugar¼ cup ground toasted almonds60g unsalted butter, chopped1 free-range egg yolk2-3 Tbsp water250g full-fat cream cheese, softened395g can condensed milk⅓ cup lemon juice2 tsp vanilla extract⅓ cup strawberry conserveToasted flaked almonds, to scatter (optional) STEP 1 Put flour, sugar and ground almonds in a large bowl, mixing well. Rub in butter, using fingertips, until well blended. Whisk egg yolk and 2 Tbsp of the water in a jug. Gradually stir egg mixture into flour mixture until combined. If necessary, add enough of the remaining water to make a dough that starts to cling together. Gently knead until just smooth, then form dough into a ball. Wrap in…

Too big for the recycling bin, too inconvenient for the tip and too valuable to toss – such is the lot of leftover renovation materials that get dumped in a hidden corner to be forgotten and ignored. One of the last jobs at the Makeover Home is not just to clear out the ‘dump’ behind the garage, but also to salvage and recycle these scraps and turn that lost bit of land into a productive and attractive vegie patch. It’s creative, environmentally responsible and thrifty as well. VEGIE GARDEN PROJECTS To get your free project sheet with all the step-by-step instructions for this vegie garden, head to bhg.com.au/vegie-garden and download it. It’s super simple and you’ll have it instantly! Over the past year, the entire BHG TV team has had…

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…

SWEET POTATO TOASTS WITH BACON AND AVO Preparation time 15 mins Cooking time 25 mins Serves 4 1 large sweet potato, cut into 5mm thick slices1 Tbsp melted coconut oil or good-quality animal fatSea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to seasonLemon wedges, to serve TOPPING 4 rashers rindless bacon, chopped2 avocados2 tsp extra virgin olive oil3 tsp lime juice, plus extra, to taste3 Tbsp salmon roeMicro herbs, to serve STEP 1 Preheat oven to 210°C fan-forced (230°C conventional). Line 2 oven trays with baking paper. STEP 2 Place sweet potato in a single layer on one prepared tray and lightly brush both sides with coconut oil or fat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then bake for 10 minutes, or until golden and tender. STEP 3 Preheat oven grill to…

As we race towards 2020, you’ll find tone-on-tone schemes will become increasingly popular. Perhaps as a direct response to our busy tech-driven lives, you will find an oasis of calm is at the heart of a refreshing botanical all-green scheme. But even splashes of green can breathe new life into a room. LESSON NOTES Green can refresh and energise your interiors TONE-ON-TONE Layer several tones of green to create a room with depth. But vary textures – gloss/matt, rough/smooth, wool/cotton and plain/pattern. COSY UP Warmer greens with a yellow undertone, such as olive or moss, will help convey a sense of cosy elegance. NEUTRAL ABILITY Easy living soft silvery sage or eucalypt can read like a neutral and are a cool alternative to whites, beiges or greys. You can use…

This gorgeous sequin tote will add sparkle to your day. The luxe fabric features a front panel with double-sided sequins. One side is bright and sparkly, the other a lovely matt finish so you can go from day to night easily – just flick the sequins to your desired side. And the tote’s convenient zipper pocket brings order to the beautifully lined interior. The biggest decision you’ll have to make is which colour – Black or Rose Gold? Better TOTE Sequin Bag • Approximately 42 x 38 x 13.5cm • Front panel sequin detailing with reversible metallic/matt sequins • Luxe metallic PU faux leather back panel and handles • Black or Rose gold COSMETIC CASE • Approximately 20 x 12 x 5cm • Front panel sequin detailing with reversible metallic/matt…

1. TRACK YOUR TRIGGERS Certain foods cause flare-ups and common offenders include: soft drink, coffee and other caffeinated drinks, deep-fried foods and other high-fat goodies such as pies, sausage rolls, doughnuts, potato chips, snack foods, spicy food, acidic foods like tomato, tomato sauces, citrus fruit and juices, raw onion and garlic, chocolate (that combo of caffeine and fat), cheese, high-fat dairy products, peppermint, and alcohol. 2. SLOW YOUR ROLL Don’t shovel! Practise mindful munching and eat s-l-o-w-l-y. 3. EAT SMALLER QUANTITIES Use smaller plates to control portions. 4. EAT EARLY Eat at least 3 hours before bedtime. 5. GO FOR A POST-DINNER WALK Enjoy the exercise and aid your digestion at the same time. 6. LOSE BELLY FAT Losing a few kilos can help reduce pressure on your stomach. 7.…

In the same vein as Rosalie Ham [The Dressmaker], Brinsden weaves a compelling story of country Australia with all its stigma, controversy and beauty.FLEUR McDONALD This heartbreaking, melancholy and hopeful debut novel is full of inventive, haunting imagery and is beautifully written.BOOKS + PUBLISHING A powerful and touching exploration of the relationship between a mother and her daughters. Heartwarming and heartbreaking in equal measure, Wearing Paper Dresses will draw you in from page one and stay with you for years to come. Meet Elise, a city girl whose life is rudely uprooted when she's whisked to the country by her husband to save his family farm. But Elise's meringues don't impress the shearers, the locals scoff at her Paris fashions, and the drought kills everything but the geraniums she despises.…

Dec = draw up a lp in each of next 2 sts, yoh and draw through all 3 lps on hook; alt = alternate; ch = chain; ch sp = chain space; dc = double crochet; foll = following; htr = half treble; lp/s = loops; st, rep = repeat; sp = space; st/s = stitch/es; sl st = slip stitch; tr = treble; yoh = yarn over hook. CROCHET STITCHES TREBLE HALF TREBLE SLIP STITCH CHAIN STITCH Move the hook under and over the yarn to wrap it around anticlockwise. Pull the hook through, this forms the first chain. Repeat. DOUBLE CROCHET 1 Insert hook under the top 2 loops of the next stitch on the previous row. 2 Wind the yarn around the hook. 3 Pull the yarn…

PRIORITY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM YES I want to subscribe to Better Homes and Gardens for 12 months (13 issues) for $74 and gift a FREE six-month subscription to a friend.** MAIL TO: Better Homes and Gardens Reply Paid 4983 Sydney, NSW 2001 (No stamp required) SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS NEVER MISS AN ISSUE OF YOUR FAVOURITE MAG FREE DELIVERY DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR INSPIRING, AFFORDABLE AND ACHIEVABLE IDEAS IN EVERY ISSUE FREEGIFTS FOR YOU AND A FRIEND SEND 6 MONTHS TO A FRIEND FOR FREE PLUS ENJOY A $30 VOUCHER FROM THE PUDDING PEOPLE 3 EASY WAYS TO ORDER subscribetoday.com.au/bhg/gift 1300 301 567 and quote P9CBKZZA 3 GREAT REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE ONLY $74 FOR 13 ISSUES FOR YOU FREE 6 MONTH SUBSCRIPTION FOR A FRIEND FREE $30 THE PUDDING PEOPLE VOUCHER…

PETS are good medicine Help reduce stress, stay active and feel better… Whether you’re patting a friendly feline at a cat café, welcoming a tail-wagging Delta Therapy Dog in hospital or reading/learning in the company of a Reading Education Assistance Dog, there’s no doubt pets can be not only good friends but also great therapists, teachers and healers! Pets are natural teachers, helping people of all ages to learn about sharing, kindness, empathy and unconditional love. Specially trained assistance dogs aid those with physical and mental disabilities to be more independent in their everyday tasks. Some go to work with psychologists and offer a positive purrspective during patient therapy sessions! Animals’ capacity to improve and heal emotional and physical health is endless. Even watching aquarium fish at your dentist’s office…

Ask Australian artist Donna Sharam to describe her artistic style and the answer is hardly surprising. “I describe myself as a colourist,” she says, “someone who loves to incorporate colour into everything I do, especially my artworks.” It was Donna’s signature use of colour that brought her to Maxwell & Williams, whose history of supporting Australian artists led to this latest collaboration, a celebration of colour in the Love Hearts collection. BROUGHT TO LIFE Maxwell & Williams’ famous whiteware range and colourful trend-based collections are modern classics. In its collaborations, the collections come alive, so it’s easy to see why Donna’s style led to such a successful partnership. “If I had to choose two words to describe my art,” she muses, “I’d say it’s a perfect combination of unique and…

How to make a stacked tree Cut out and bake a variety of different sized green-tinted sugar cookie stars. Spread Royal icing generously over each star. While icing is still wet, stack stars from largest to smallest.…

PLANT NOW In each issue we give ideas, tips and planting advice for cooler, warmer, wetter and drier areas in each zone, so ask at your local nursery which zone best matches your conditions. FLOWERS ALL ZONES Alyssum, aster, calibrachoa, cosmos, petunia, phlox, portulaca and salvia. ZONES 1-3 Gomphrena (left, top) and vinca. ZONES 4-6 Begonia (left), Californian poppy, celosia, dahlia, impatiens, marigold, nasturtium, phlox, verbena and zinnia. VEGETABLES ALL ZONES Beans, capsicum, chilli (left), eggplant, tomato and zucchini. ZONES 1-3 Basil, beetroot, cabbage, chilli, chives, ginger (left, bottom), okra, potatoes and radish. ZONES 4-6 Cucumber, marrow, parsley, parsnip, silverbeet, squash, turnips and sweet corn. “If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change”BUDDHA PICK OF THE BUNCH Flowering plants may look magnificent,…

ED HALMAGYI Join me as I try out new ideas and amazing flavours this month on BHG TV on Fridays at 7pm on Channel 7. (Apologies, may be subject to change.) Go to bhg.com.au for more food tips and tricks. GRILLED LAMB CHOPS WITH TAGINE FLAVOURS Preparation time 10 mins Cooking time 8 mins Serves 4 8 lamb loin chops, trimmed2 tsp ground coriander seeds2 tsp ground cumin seeds2 tsp ground turmeric1 tsp sweet paprika1 tsp ground cinnamon¾ cup extra virgin olive oilSea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper400g can chickpeas, rinsed and drained4 cloves garlic, crushed2 sprigs coriander, leaves picked2 cups mixed baby tomatoes, halved2 limes, peeled and diced, plus extra wedges, to serve1 red onion, finely slicedFlat-leaf parsley, toasted sesame seeds, yoghurt and pita bread, to serve STEP…

turn your galley-style kitchen into both an entertainer’s delight and a family friendly zone with a clever reno. This kitchen had good bones, so the original layout and many existing features were repeated but given an upgrade. Key to the new design was doubling the size of the island to make it a spot for prep, cooking and dining. Done in edgy industrial style, the kitchen features horizontal lines for a streamlined effect and is sleek but still welcoming – a real hub of the home. INSTALL A FLOATING SHELF Gather your supplies • Offcut of hardwood panel • 200 x 16mm pine dowels You’ll also need Drill; 16mm spade bit; PVA wood glue; sandpaper; stain and varnish; lint-free cloth; fast-setting construction adhesive; caulking gun Here’s how STEP 1 Determine…

Once a playground for the rich and famous, hip Palm Springs in the US is perfectly suited to our Aussie lifestyle. Its style is characterised by mid-century modern, low-slung, single-storey houses with flat or butterfly roofs and full glass walls with views to the garden and pool. A neutral palette is the preferred choice, although a spot of vivid colour appears here and there. Clean lines dominate throughout. Outside, porticoes or canopied terraces provide relief from the sun and are an ode to alfresco entertaining. There’s a lot about the architecture that suits our hot Australian climate A mecca of low-slung, single-storey houses featuring flat and butterfly roofs A GARDEN OF YEAR-LONG DELIGHTS…

Show your arty side and solve a storage dilemma in one go with a clever closet for your front hall. Build a simple shelf unit and attach it to the wall to hold keys, bags, hats and coats – everything you usually find strewn about your entryway. There’s even a mirror for a last-minute check before you head out. Add a door and it’s all hidden away. And to really give your guests a great first impression, turn the closet door into a contemporary artwork. Wow! CREATE A HALL CLOSET Gather your supplies • 140x 19mm x 2.4m dressed pine (3) • 2400 x 1200 x 9mm MDF (1) • 2400 x 1200 x 18mm MDF (1) • 1200 x 350 x 5mm mirror • Inset hinges (4) • Heavy…

ADAM DOVILE Find out how you can build this amazing makeup table on BHG TV on Friday, 1 November at 7pm on Channel 7. (Apologies, may be subject to change) Go to bhg.com.au for more DIY tips and tricks. If your cosmetics are clogging up your bathroom and half your time getting ready is spent rummaging through it to find exactly what you want, then it’s time to break out the tools. This beauty station keeps all your stuff sorted so finding what you need is a breeze. When you’re done, just close the top and all that clutter is hidden within a handy desk. EASY STEPS TO BUILD YOUR MAKEUP TABLE Gather your supplies • 1200 x 600 x 18mm laminated panel (3) • 42 x 42mm x 1.8m…

The skin under your eyes is naturally thin and prone to dryness, sun damage and premature ageing. It’s also an area of constant expression, which leads to wrinkles. Compared to the rest of your face this area shows age faster, so targeted treatment makes sense. Right? Good eye creams contain many of the same ingredients for the face, but are formulated to avoid irritation. DEPUFFER Get a burst of cooling, refreshing hydration for instantly plumper, younger-looking eyes, Pep-Start Eye Cream, $40, Clinique. ALL-ROUND ANTI-AGEING Strengthen, tighten and nourish skin around your delicate eye area, Pro-Retinol Eye treatment, $48.99, Olay. POTENT NIGHT CREAM See results with an advanced retinol delivery system combined with potent ingredients, Ultra A Perfecting Eye Cream, $99, Ultraceuticals. VITAMIN C TREATMENT Prevent free radial damage and minimise…

“COME WITH ME AND EXPERIENCE A MAGNIFICENT GARDEN CRUISE”GRAHAM ROSS Glorious Cunard’s first ever garden cruise sets sail on March 1, 2021 from Sydney. The exciting seven-night voyage will bring together a fine group of Australia’s top gardening experts, including those from Better Homes and Gardens, who’ll share their gardening secrets and expert advice. You’ll also enjoy the fantastic features of Cunard’s beautiful Queen Elizabeth, with more than 10 restaurants and cafes, three swimming pools, a ballroom and theatre spanning three decks. SAIL WITH THE EXPERTS Cruising on board will also be a host of leading gardening personalities, including Graham Ross, Angus Stewart and Indira Naidoo, as well as Better Homes and Gardens editor-inchief Julia Zaetta, editor Dora Papas, garden editor Jenny Dillon and food editor Elle Vernon, who will…

Wish you were here Looking for that piece of Thai paradise – a holiday that combines beach, food and culture? Then 7travel and BHG have a deal for you! Eight nights at the beachfront Amari Koh Samui, return flights with Singapore Airlines, buffet breakfast daily, room upgrade, massages and more. All this for $1699 pp, save 57 per cent! This offer won’t last. Visit 7travel.com.au/bhg or call 1300 297 577. On sale until 29 November or until sold out. BEST OF EGYPT AND GREECE Take this 23-day small group tour and save $250 pp. See the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and other iconic sites. On to Greece for the Sanctuary of Apollo and a walking tour of Ioannina. Bunnik Tours offer groups up to 20, no extra costs…

SANTA SACKS Order a Santa Sack for your little one and even the whole family. With two fun designs to choose from – Rudolph Express and Reindeer Express – each Santa Sack is made from premium calico and measures a whopping 80 x 50cm – big enough to hold lots of pressies. They’ll last for years and can be personalised. NORDIC STRAW DECORATION 39-PIECE SET Decorate your Christmas tree, style your celebrations and finish off your presents with these Nordic-style woven-straw decorations. Each set includes an array of gorgeous star, snowflake and acorn designs. MINI BUNDT PAN PACK The perfect baking pan for festive entertaining! Each set includes one pink and one blue non-stick silicone mini bundt pan for you to bake miniature cakes. Perfect for individual servings, these bundts…

JAPANESE FLORAL • 2 strips 6 ½in x width of FQ Cut 1 strip into 5 tree shapes. Cut 1 strip into 2 pieces 6 ½ x 10in for the backing. • 1 strip 7in x width of FQ Cut 2 left-side corner pieces. Cut 2 right-side corner pieces. Cut 4 pieces 2 ½ x 3½in • 2 strips 6 ½in x width of FQ Cut 1 strip into 4 tree shapes. Cut 1 strip into 2 pieces 6 ½ x 10in for the backing. • 1 strip 7in x width of FQ Cut 2 left-side corner pieces. Cut 2 right-side corner pieces. Cut 4 pieces 2 ½ x 3½ in. • 2 strips 6 ½ in x width of FQ Cut these strips into 5 tree shapes. 2 strips…

SLEEK SOPHISTICATION Meet the stylish new German-made black ovens from Bosch. Combining a sleek, premium design with intuitive features, the new Series 8 black glass ovens provide a contemporary edge to your kitchen design. Pictured here is the Bosch Series 8 Built-in Oven with Added Steam (HRG6769B2A), RRP $3799. Visit bosch-home.com.au SINGAPOREAN LANDSCAPE Showcasing the very best of horticulture, sustainability and architectural design, Singapore's Gardens by the Bay has blossomed into a must-see destination. Journey through the Flower Dome, the largest glass greenhouse in the world, and marvel at the 35m tall indoor waterfall in the Cloud Forest, with awesome views on the Treetop Walk. Visit gardensbythebay.com.sg YOUR SUMMER ESSENTIALS Summer is on its way and Cotton Traders has got everything you need to get yours off to the brightest…

1 WEE FOLK Who could resist these divine little gnomes? With matching scarves and pointy hats topped with a tinkling bell, they’re easy to crochet in an array of colourful hues. But, a word of warning – once you begin, they’ll start to pop up everywhere! Instructions on page 170 2 LITTLE HOUSES IN THE WOODS Use a mix of your favourite coloured felts to make a whole village of snow-capped houses and tiny beaded trees. The charmingly rustic cottages are super simple to make – no expert skills required here. Hang them as tree decorations or use them to create a pretty wreath. Instructions on page 170 3 CROCHET CHRISTMAS TREES Hook up a forest of these cute tree ornaments, worked in the round from top to bottom in…

STEP 1 Place template on rolled out dough. Using a sharp knife, trace around templates. Bake as directed. Pipe thin lines of Royal icing for door, siding and windows on cold cookies. STEP 2 Pipe icing along edge of one side piece. Press on the back of the front piece to form a corner, holding pieces together to set. Repeat with other side and back. STEP 3 Once sides are set, add the roof. Pipe icing along the triangular edges of the front and back pieces. Attach roof, holding each piece in place to set.…

KAREN MARTINI Find out how to roast a chook on a bed of bread on BHG TV, Friday, 1 November at 7pm on Channel 7. (Apologies, may be subject to change) Go to bhg.com.au for more food tips and tricks. GARLIC AND DILL ROASTED CHICKEN ON A BED OF GARLIC BREAD Preparation time 10 mins Cooking time 1 hour 10 mins plus resting time Serves 4 1.4-1.6kg organic free-range chicken, trimmed and patted dry with paper towelSea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season1 lemon10 sprigs thyme2 fresh bay leaves8 large cloves garlic1½ Tbsp sea-salt flakes150g unsalted butter3 handfuls dill fronds, chopped3 stalks celery1 large loaf quality sourdough STEP 1 Preheat oven to 200°C fan-forced (220°C conventional). Season chicken inside and out. Cut lemon into quarters and stuff inside…

1 RESORT LIVING Aim for laid-back, open-plan living spaces decorated with mid-century furniture. Outside, breeze-block screens and deep canopies give homes their distinct character while providing shade. 2 MAINTAIN FLOW Flood interiors with light via expansive use of glass, which also makes for a seamless and cohesive flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. 3 SPLASH OF COLOUR Allow for a signature pop of striking colour – pink, turquoise or yellow – amid a backdrop of crisp, clean white. 4 PLANT A DRY GARDEN Intersperse lush palms with drought-tolerant cacti and succulents. Finish with a layer of gravel as mulch. PALM SPRINGS TV PROJECTS To get your free project sheet with all the step-by-step instructions, head to bhg.com.au/palm-springs and download it. It’s simple and you’ll have it instantly!…

Radiance, no matter what your skin tone – is about evenness (that is smoother texture and fewer dark spots) and light reflection. But achieving it, can be a challenge. As you age cell turnover slows down and dead skin cells pile up, which contributes to a dull complexion. And if your skin is dry or dehydrated its ability to reflect light is reduced further. Not to worry. Although pigment issues take time to address, you can turn up your glow factor by making a few key tweaks to your routine. WHAT YOU CAN DO IN ONE HOUR Manipulate light like a pro. Use luminising skin care and make-up to help your complexion shine in all the right places. GIVE YOUR FACE A MINI MASSAGE Before you apply your make-up, take…

occasional heartburn is no real biggie. It happens to just about everyone; it could simply be a sign you overdid it at the all-you-can-eat buffet. But, if heartburn is messing with your mojo on the regular, it’s a sign you need to change things up. Sure, you can medicate it, but your best bet is to try to prevent it by tackling the root causes. And the good is news that most heartburn can be sidestepped by making fairly simple lifestyle changes. NO, NOT THE LIFESTYLE CHANGES! Well, consider this. The latest studies show that prolonged use of heartburn meds is linked to an increased risk of bone fractures (acid reducers can interfere with calcium absorption), stomach cancer, chronic kidney disease and even dementia. The findings are so alarming that…

Cruising has never been more popular. New ships, new cruise lines and emerging destinations mean there’s more choice than ever before. Today’s cruise ships vary from intimate boutique vessels through to modern giants with all the bright lights and entertainment options you could want. There are family friendly lines, adult-only options, river cruise operators, luxury cruise lines and an expanding range of expedition cruises to suit all imaginations. So how do you find a cruise that suits your personal style? Here are five reasons a cruise specialist travel agent will make you shipshape. 1. TALK TO THE EXPERTS Agents accredited by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) have completed additional education and training to become cruise specialists. They can suggest destinations, cruise lines and ships to best suit your tastes…

The Dutch House Ann Patchett, $29.99 Danny Conroy grows up in the Dutch House, a lavish folly in Pennsylvania. His father is distant and his mother absent, but life is comfortable. One day their father brings Andrea home. Andrea’s arrival to the Dutch House sows the seed of the defining loss of Danny and his sister. She will exact a banishment that will echo for the rest of their lives. The Dutch House is a story of family, betrayal, love, responsibility and sacrifice. THERE IS A STILLNESS AND BEAUTY TO ANN PATCHETT’S WRITING THAT TAKES THE BREATH AWAYTHE TIMES Nothing ventured Jeffrey Archer, $39.99 The master storyteller launches a new series inspired by the bestselling Clifton Chronicles. This is not a detective story, it’s a story about the making of…

CHRISTMAS GNOMES Intermediate crochet Measurements Approx 17 x 4.5cm or 14 x 4cm NOTE Quantities listed will make several gnomes. Gather your supplies Large gnomes DMC Soft Cotton Tapestry Thread (50g): 1 ball each Shade 042 and 043 for body, and 1 ball 03 for head and hands, 1 skein each 2594 and 2595 for scarves; 3.5mm crochet hook Small gnomes DMC Natura Just Cotton (50g): 1 ball each Green Valley Shade N14, Passion Shade N23, Curry Shade N74 for body, Acanthe Shade N81 for head and hands; DMC Soft Cotton Tapestry Thread (10m skeins): 3 skeins each Shade 2574, 2572 and 2108 for body, and 1 skein each 2594 and 2595 for scarves; 2.5mm crochet hook You’ll also need Flat bottom marbles; hobbyfill; small bells 10-20mm; length of black…