Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2020 i Better Homes and Gardens Australia

CHALK IT UP Mask a simple rectangle on your dining room wall to measure the length of your table by about 700mm (or to suit). Think of your chalkboard as art when deciding how high to position it. After all, you want to be able to see it when you’re seated. Then go to town with black chalkboard paint and you’ll have a feature that is part memo, part wall art. PS, a spot or two of colour will brighten up a grey dining room. Here, pendant lights do the trick, picking up on the colours seen in the geometric floor rug. KNOCKOUT TRIM If you have an archway between two spaces, or you’ve knocked through into another room, using the same wall colour throughout for continuity and cohesion makes…

CREATE A FEAST IN YOUR GARDEN FOR ALL YOUR SENSES You love all those herbs and vegies in your salads, but why ostracise them in your garden. Don’t consign them to an isolated patch out the back, but integrate them into your ornamental garden in the front. Their many varied leaves, flowers and fruit can be a productive, delightful and sensual addition to your flowering beds. TIPS FOR YOU • Fill empty spaces with parsley for a feathery touch and to help deter weeds. • Thyme can be used as a pretty, sweet-smelling groundcover. • Dwarf fruit trees produce wonderful blossoms in spring and kick off the flowering season. • Be careful when using herbicides or pesticides on edible plants. • Companion plant by putting onions next to roses to…

LEMONGRASS CHILLI CHICKEN AND KALE Preparation time 15 mins Cooking time 10 mins Serves 4 2 Tbsp sunflower oil1 Tbsp fresh lemongrass herb paste2 long red chillies, thinly sliced diagonally600g lean chicken tenderloins, chopped and seasoned with pepper2 zucchini, halved lengthways and thinly slicedHandful baby kale leaves or 8 large kale leaves, white stems removed, torn STEP 1 Heat oil in a large non-stick wok over high heat, add herb paste, chilli and chicken and stir-fry for 5 minutes, until chicken is cooked through. STEP 2 Add sliced zucchini, kale and ¼ cup water to wok and stir-fry for 1 minute, or until kale has just wilted. Divide among serving plates or bowls and serve immediately. “Use a wok or your non-stick frying pan to whip up bowls of chilli…

One quick yank will take care of the white antenna sprouting from the top of your head. Your first grey, gone! But guess what? That wiry strand will grow straight back, along with more of the same patchy silvery frizz in other places. If this sounds all too familiar, here are your easy options to hide those noticeable streaks and ways to tame their wonky texture. 1 CONCEAL IT Root concealers buy you time, whether you’re a root-touch-up regular between dye jobs or not ready to commit to long-term colour. The colour goes on like make-up and lasts until you wash it out. Tinted powders and sprays work well for patchy spots at the temples, part line and above the ears. 2 GET HIGHLIGHTS Professional colourists or hairdressers can weave…

Having no doubt enjoyed the entertaining season to the max, the slower pace of summer and the holidays is when we get to relax and recharge our batteries for the coming year… For many of us it also presents an opportunity to do the things around our homes we don’t normally have time for. Sound familiar? So take advantage of the balmy weather and extended daylight hours to enhance your exterior – whether you’ve always dreamed of a house with a picket fence or decided to embark on a full-on cosmetic makeover (p120). Do as much or as little as you want – it’s the holidays after all! Prefer to garden? If Palm Springs’ desert-style gardens appeal, check out the sculptural effects of cacti – the ideal waterwise plant (p40).…

Whether it’s sultry storms or the great summer bake wreaking havoc on your garden, there is an attractive solution to these extreme conditions. With a dry creek bed, you get rid of the boggy mess at the bottom of your gentle slope after heavy rain, or sort out the problem of over-cooked grass that refuses to rise. This drainage solution leads excess water to where it can be better dispersed. And, extending your creek beyond its ‘banks’ to replace your straw lawn means you can concentrate on plants that thrive in harsh weather. Add a bridge or stepping pavers and your garden is etched in stone! HOW TO MAKE A DRY CREEK BED These basic instructions can be enhanced or embellished with your own ideas about how you want your…

do you want a craft you can do on the go? It’s embroidery! Small, light and transportable, you can take your hoop and stitch your artworks while you commute on the train or bus, at the beach or park while the kids play and, of course, at home. These projects are all a combination of different techniques, so whether you like satin stitch, making a few French knots or a touch of appliqué… you’ll find a project to suit your skill level and a design you love. Start stitching! LOVELY LEMONS Bring a little sunshine into your home with this botanical piece that uses next-level embroidery to create a patch of pot plants. The yellows and greens of the lemon tree, hanging vine and pearl plant really sing against the…

As greys reappear – for some this means you have noticeable regrowth every two to three weeks – the struggle to conceal roots between hair colour services is never ending. That’s the bad news. Here’s the good. There are products that buy extra time between colour applications by tweaking tone and camouflaging regrowth. TOUCH UP ROOTS TEMPORARILY Like make-up, most root touch-up products last until your next washing. To cover grey regrowth, any tinted formula does the trick, including gels applied with a brush. Magic Retouch Precision, available in five shades, $17.95, L’Oréal Paris. To cover dark roots, however, a powder formula, which both dims the regrowth and deposits colour, is most effective. Root Blur Colour Blending Concealer, available in five variations, $19.99, John Frieda. TOUCH UP ROOTS FOR A…

Carefully designed more than a century ago by the Butchart family, The Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island on Canada’s west coast are one of the world’s premier floral shows. They’re a prime example of the fine art of plant and ornamental placement to create magnificent displays, regardless of the season. Take inspiration from the colour and scents of Mediterranean and Japanese plantings, or of the spectacular Sunken and gorgeous Rose gardens – all artfully connected with meandering paths – then use the ideas yourself. ABOUT THE GARDENERS Bought by Robert and Jennie Butchart in 1904, these stunning gardens began as a limestone quarry. Once the deposits were exhausted, Jennie set about turning the huge pit into a ‘thing of beauty’. With tonnes of imported topsoil, it blossomed into the Sunken,…

EASY STEPS TO BUILD A LETTERBOX Gather your supplies • 1220 x 610 x 18mm marine plywood • 135 x 19mm spotted gum decking • 300 x 300mm x 1.7m sandstone block • 280 x 75 x 50 x 6mm galvanised angle brackets (2) • 610mm brass piano hinge • 75mm brass hasp and staple You’ll also need Drill and drill bits; countersinking bit; exterior PVA glue; 50mm and 30mm galvanised screws; 50mm stainless-steel decking screws; circular saw with fence attachment; sander and sandpaper; jigsaw; decking oil in Natural; paintbrush; shovel; hired crane; spirit level; quick-set concrete; 4.5mm masonry drill bit; 70mm countersunk masonry screws; construction adhesive; hacksaw; numbers For you to note • All box components glued together using exterior PVA glue. Cladding boards attached using high-strength construction adhesive.…

FAST ED’S KITCHEN RICH LAMB STEW WITH SEMOLINA PASTA AND OLIVES Preparation time 20 mins Cooking time 3 hours Serves 4 1.2kg lamb neckSea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper¼ cup extra virgin olive oil12 cloves garlic, finely sliced2 sprigs rosemary, finely chopped4 flat mushrooms, finely chopped2 cups dry white wine1½ cups pitted olives, halved2 Tbsp tomato paste½ cup water400g semolina pasta1½ cups finely grated pecorino cheese4 cups baby spinach leaves STEP 1 Dice lamb neck into 2cm cubes, then season generously with salt and pepper. Pour half the olive oil into a saucepan set over medium heat, then fry lamb in batches, until browned. Set aside until required. STEP 2 Pour remaining olive oil into the same pan, then fry garlic and rosemary briefly. Mix in mushroom, then cook…

EACH KIT INCLUDES • High-quality colour printed fabric • Diamond Dotz faceted beads, pre-sorted by shade • Diamond Dotz stylus, tray and wax caddy • Instructions SHOP TO BUY YOUR KIT, VISIT BHGSHOP.COM.AU Postage and handling additional. Delivery within Australia only. Offer available while stocks last.…

SAVE 64%* RISK FREE CANCEL ANYTIME PRIORITY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM YES! I want to subscribe to Better Homes and Gardens for 6 issues for ONLY $15 – SAVE 64%*, then $34 every 6 months thereafter, so I never miss an issue. *Saving is based on your first 6 issues. After your first 6 issues your selection of recurring credit card payment ensures your subscription will continue at $34 every 6 issues. You can cancel your subscription at any time and you will continue to receive magazines delivered through to the end of your last billing period. We do not provide refunds for partial billing periods. Offer valid in Australia only until 29/02/2020. Pacific Magazines Pty Ltd is collecting your information to process your order. As a subsidiary of Seven West…

This gorgeous sequin bag 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…

WALLPAPER HINTS Always request a sample of wallpaper for true colour and texture. Not feeling confident? Play it safe and invest in a roll to see how the pattern looks and makes you feel. If your wall has surface imperfections, line the walls with a lining paper for a smoother finish. You can use a thin or thick paper depending on whether you have hairline cracks or a rough, pitted surface. Worried about introducing wallpaper to your home? Bring it in by stealth… starting with a powder room. Are you a newcomer to DIY wallpapering? You may like to buy a wallpaper that is pre-pasted so all you have to do is wet the back before applying it to the wall. WALLPAPER CAN TAKE A SO-SO ROOM AND MAKE IT…

1 CHECK IT OUT Hey, good looking! Fix stemware racks to a shelf and add labelled drawers to an old display cabinet (refreshed with black paint and check wallpaper) for oh-so-chic dining storage. 2 BY THE BACK Build a drop zone near an entry – either at the back, front or laundry door – and everyone will use it. Opt for a combo of open and shut storage, hooks, jars and vertical racks. It’s called chaos control! 3 SORT YOUR KITCHEN Flat-pack cube shelving turns into control central for kitchen utensils, cutlery, tableware and home-office paraphernalia. You can even turn one side into a memo board with a vinyl adhesive chalkboard roll, $3, kmart.com.au. 4 ON THE RACK Display as you store and you’ll have the best of both worlds…

Garden Editor SEASONAL SPECIALS Look out for when these surprises arrive! 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: Ageratum, alyssum, cyclamen, French marigold, gypsophila (left), Iceland poppy, lobelia, nigella and polyanthus. Zones 1-3: African marigold, celosia, coleus, gerbera, salvia and sunflower (left). Zones 4-6: Cornflower, dianthus, everlasting daisy, hollyhock, statice, stock and sweetpea. VEGETABLES All zones: Beans, beetroot, broccoli, carrot, lettuce, radish, spring onion and zucchini. Zones 1-3: Capsicum, celery, choko, cucumber, eggplant, globe artichoke (left), leek, pumpkin, squash, sweet corn and tomato. Zones 4-6: Brussels sprout (left), leek, parsnip and spinach. “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns,…

“Take the time to savour your food and wine with your favourite person” USE A SELECTION OF SEASONAL FRUIT YOU LOVE TEAMED WITH YUMMY SWEET DIPS AND GRANOLA CHARCUTERIE AND CHEESE BOARD Preparation time 20 mins Serves 6-8 people Use 76 x 38cm board 2 Tbsp fig jam2 Tbsp strawberry preserves2 Tbsp apricot preserves2 Tbsp wholegrain seeded mustard5cm portion of honeycomb with honey⅓ cup mixed olives250g aged white cheddar250g manchego250g aged gouda140g triple créme cheese140g blue stilton cheese12 slices coppa10 slices prosciutto10 slices piccante salami10 slices Bavarian salami4 slices mortadella1 large bunch red grapes1 large bunch green grapes10 wholegrain crackers15 seeded crackers15 fruit and nut crackers or crisps10 salted crackers¼ cup marcona almonds¼ cup candied pecans¼ cup sesame honey cashews½ cup dried apricots¼ cup dried cherries5 dried orange slices⅓ cup…

Sick of trekking to the salon for colour every six weeks but not ready to go au naturel? Then learn how to stretch time between visits or even start colouring at home. Here are the best ways to mistake-proof the colouring process, plus a selection of must-have products that’ll prolong your results. You’ll save time, money and score professional-looking results. 1 DO LOOK ON THE BACK OF THE BOX Incorrect shade selection is often the result of choosing a hair colour based solely on the picture on the front of the box. To prevent that, look at the chart specifying the natural shades best suited for the formula. If you don’t see your natural colour or root regrowth shade, you will not get the results pictured. If you have multi-tonal…

HEAT INDEX 26°C to 31°C HOW YOUR BODY REACTS Ahh, when you are sitting under an umbrella by the pool these temps feel great. But if you are playing frisbee or tennis, not so much. When you’re super active in this weather you can tire quickly, develop heat rash caused by sweat blocking pores, or get sunburned if you are not on top of your sunscreen game. STAY SAFE Being well hydrated before you head outside to be physically active helps your body better tolerate the heat. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing that allows sweat to evaporate. At these temps, adults and older teens can lose up to 2.5 litres or more of fluid every hour during strenuous activity. Younger kids can shed around half a litre each hour just running…

Start by taking out the letterbox and building a simple picket fence along the front boundary, painting it traditional white, but making a ‘look-at-me’ statement by painting the gate sulphur yellow. Reposition the letterbox on the fence. The verandah posts, fretwork and garage door were painted Mission Brown, a colour hip in the 1970s, but not now. Sand back and repaint these a fashionable charcoal colour. Paint two large pots the same sulphur yellow as the gate, fill with a succulent potting mix, plant with Mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria sp) and place either side of the window. Remove the cordyline in front of the window to open up the house and trim the two lilly pilly tress into tidy balls. Dig out the agaves, trim the roots and replant them at…

The Starless Sea Erin Morgenstern, $24.99 When Zachary Rawlins stumbles across a strange book hidden in his university library, it leads him on a quest unlike any other. Determined to solve the puzzle of the book, Zachary follows the clues he finds on the cover – a bee, a key and a sword. A door leads to a subterranean labyrinth filled with stories, hidden far beneath the surface of the earth. You are invited to join Zachary on the starless sea: the home of storytellers, story-lovers and those who will protect our stories at all costs. A bewitching gem of a book, which is a truly magical story of love and adventure. Yet another amazing novel from Erin Morgenstern, who wrote The Night Circus. “A MYSTICAL ADVENTURE IN AN ENCHANTED…

YOUR STITCH GUIDE PINEAPPLE EMBROIDERY Gather your supplies • Masking tape • Light-coloured fabric (embroidery linen is ideal), 23cm square • Soft, sharp pencil • 15cm embroidery hoop • DMC stranded cotton, one skein each in Teak Brown 898 (1), Saffron Orange 900 (2), Orange 740 (3), Medium Autumn Gold 3854 (4), Sunlight Yellow 725 (5), Cactus Green 580 (6), Apple Green 906 (7), Very Dark Forest Green 986 (8), Granny Smith Green 907 (9) • Tapestry needle Here’s how STEP 1 Using masking tape, fix the enlarged template to a well-lit window with the fabric centred and taped on top. Lightly trace the lines using the pencil – the marks will be covered as you work. The numbers are for colour reference only and don’t need to be copied…

INDEPENDENCE WITH STYLE Maintain your independence without compromising on style with these innovative grab rails from Evacare. Sound-activated LED lights allow you to safely navigate your bathroom, even in the dark! Available at your local Bunnings Warehouse. Visit evacare.com.au for more details. FIND YOUR FEET ON A WALKING HOLIDAY There’s no better way to see a destination up close than walking. Wandering the World offer a range of walking holidays for first time walkers to seasoned pilgrims. Stay in comfortable hotels and have your luggage transferred while you reconnect with nature, immerse in a new culture and explore ancient trails. Visit wanderingtheworld.com.au FOR THE LOVE OF NATURE Mahashe is an Australian boutique fashion label known for its timeless styles and vibrant, retro-style prints. Specialising in natural fabrics and with a…

YOUR SHOPPING DIRECTORY 1000 Hour 1000hour.com.au Adairs adairs.com.au ANL anlscape.com.au Anna Jeffreys annajeffreys.co.uk Annie Sloan anniesloan.com Bunnings bunnings.com.au Clairol 1800 812 663 Country Road countryroad.com.au Cover Your Gray i-glamour.com/Australia Eleven Australia 1800 104 204, elevenaustralia.com Freedom freedom.com.au Inartisan inartisan.com John Frieda 1800 214 393, johnfrieda.com.au Lewis & Wood lewisandwood.co.uk L’Oreal Paris 1300 659 359 Money Smart moneysmart.gov.au Natio natio.com.au OzStitch ozstitch.com.au Pottery Barn potterybarn.com.au Punch with Judy punchwithjudy.com.au Rebel Walls rebelwalls.com.au Seed Heritage seedheritage.com Spotlight spotlightstores.com Stitched Modern stitchedmodern.com Vanguard investor.vanguard.com Wallpaper Direct wallpaperdirect.com/au West Elm westelm.com.au CHILL OUT IN PALM SPRINGS STYLE, PAGE 34 Shopping details Adairs Malay large white food cover, $29.99. Ripple collection white dinner plate, $14.99. Marley rattan natural bowl, $39.99. Harley blue glaze pot, $69.99. Marley natural rattan pot, $13.99. Marley rattan natural bowl, $39.99.…