Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2021 i Better Homes and Gardens Australia

Perhaps it’s something to do with the lure of the great outdoors or the amount of time we spend in our backyards and beyond. Either way, it felt like the perfect time to pull together a special issue celebrating life Down Under. In true blue form, it all begins with pineapple, from the luscious creation that stars on our cover (page 100) to an upside-down cake that’s oh-so easy to make – and eat (page 111). As for scones, we’ve got double the yum with two delightfully different recipes. Check them out on pages 98 and 116. Speaking of scones, they play a small but pivotal role in The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital, the new novel by Sydney-based author Joanna Nell. It’s out this month, so read our…

WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN The ancient burrawang cycad (Macrozamia communis) is softly decorative but also extremely hardy – it grows naturally in eucalyptus woodland but doesn’t mind a bit of sun when you put it in your garden. SWAYING IN THE BREEZE Ornamental grasses add volume and softness when planted next to hardscapes such as a rendered wall. SOLID YET SILKY The rectangular-shaped mudstone or mudrock comes in a lovely soft coffee colour. Being flat sided, it’s ideal for stacking. And that’s a great chimney stack! COLOUR YOUR CONCRETE There are oxides you can add to your cement render that will give you rich ochre colours, from red to orange to yellow. You can even get blue or green. Your choice! WHEN STRIPES ARE STARS Make your soft furnishings…

taking that step into another season means fondly farewelling the old and eagerly embracing the new. With Elegans, a garden snuck in a rainforest-like gully next to Berowra Valley National Park in Sydney, this is the time when winter blooms linger, spring bulbs pop and limey summer foliage gingerly emerges. It’s three seasons in one day – and in only the best possible way. Colour-saturated, late-winter-flowering camellias are having their last laugh – and it’s hale and hearty. Plus, in a garden that shuns formality and welcomes wanton randomness, the lushness of a summer rainforest garden puts out its feelers. It’s a shade lovers’ delight and inspiration. ABOUT THE GARDEN In the past 50 years Elegans garden has turned from a few bare paddocks into a lush, undulating parkland that…

A gentle, lingering visit to your local community garden or urban farm, or even just a quick squiz, can spark ideas for your own little vegie patch. You can pick up tips such as using ‘cover crops’ that eliminate weeds and improve soils, learn how scratching chooks can aerate your soil and peck at pests, and also come across brilliant ideas on how to get around your limited space by letting your tomatoes hang low from a high-up basket while herbs rise to the top. TOMATOES ARE SUMMER’S GO-TO FRUIT For huge, tasty yields from a small plant, try growing Floriana’s Roma ‘Little Napoli’ (above). It’s disease-resistant and ideal for pots and containers. Hugely versatile, you can use the tomatoes in salads, sauces or hot dishes. Available as seedlings from…

LAVENDER For centuries, lavender has been used for perfuming sheets when draping them over bushes to dry. AFRICAN DAISY These summer flowers waft a zingy, spicy scent to your clothes – perfect for pepping up languid days. GERANIUM For a sweet and lemon-scented aroma, look to Pelargonium crispum ‘Variegatum’. CHRYSANTHEMUM These mostly flower in autumn and add an earthy and herby perfume to your laundry. ARTEMISIA The savoury smell – like a warm roast – is a special scent when temperatures are cool and the sun is low. MARGUERITE DAISY These rewarding flowers can often be seen all year round and have a lovely soft fragrance.…

November 2021 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. ZODIAC SIGNS The 12 signs of the zodiac are divided into four groups – fire, air, earth and water. 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…

SAFFRON SCONES WITH LABNA AND JAZZED-UP JAM Preparation time 40 mins plus overnight chilling Cooking time 40 mins Makes about 16 LABNA 500g plain yoghurt1 square muslin or clean Chux2 tsp orange blossom waterPinch of sea-salt flakes JAZZED-UP JAM 500ml lime marmalade100ml water1 stick cinnamon12 fresh dates, pitted, quartered2 tsp orange blossom water SCONES 300ml milk, plus extra, to brush2 pinches saffron threads150ml cream2 tsp baking powder450g plain flour50g chilled butter, finely choppedPinch of sea-salt flakes STEP 1 To make labna, spoon yoghurt into middle of muslin or Chux. Tie ends together or secure with rubber bands. Sit in a strainer over a bowl in the fridge overnight. The whey will separate, leaving a thickened yoghurt (labna). Discard liquid and stir through orange blossom water and salt. Refrigerate until needed.…

Passionate decorators are blessed with an ever-widening variety of superb Aussie-made and designed furniture, homewares and tablewares to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether you embrace an eclectic style of decorating – where seemingly anything goes – or you prefer to judiciously pepper your home with select, much-prized handmade ceramics, resin objet d’art or even native flora screenprinted on fabrics and then transformed into exquisite soft furnishings or artwork, in going native you will also be supporting our local designers, craftspeople and/or manufacturers.…

Take a simple bag of wooden beads and turn them into a Scandi-style trivet. The threading technique is a bit of craft therapy and you can also use it to make smaller coasters for your afternoon tea time. EASY STEPS TO YOUR BEADED TRIVET Gather your supplies • Faux leather • 20mm wooden beads You’ll also need Tape measure; marker; heavy-duty scissors; awl; wool needle; white cotton kitchen twine Here’s how STEP 1 Measure, mark and cut faux leather into 10 x 160mm strip. On the back, centre a point 10mm from each short edge. Use an awl to punch through holes. STEP 2 Thread kitchen twine onto wool needle and feed on 1 bead. Loop twine back around to secure it and then add a second bead. STEP 3…

Show off your creative side with an easy art project. Using just your phone and printer, you can make a leafy design on transparency film that creates a lovely effect when hung near a window. The frame for your artwork is made with balsa wood, hessian ribbon and a wooden bead, held together with tape – no tools needed! It’s nature craft at its best. EASY STEPS TO YOUR HANGING FRAMES Gather your supplies • Balsa wood sheets • Foliage-printed transparency film (see box, bottom left) • 25mm hessian ribbon • Wooden bead • Macramé rope (optional) You’ll also need Steel rule; pencil; cutting mat; craft knife; scissors; double-sided sticky tape For you to note • Lightweight but strong, balsa wood is used in model making. • Foliage that works…

THE BEST OF NATURE AND SCIENCE Aussie brands know what it takes to have naturally radiant skin. Feed your skin with the best of nature 1 Deep Hydration Night Cream, $70, Endota Spa. Fake a gorgeous tan and stay safe 2 Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Oil, $19.95, Bondi Sands. For smoother skin, go for gold, 3 Liquid Gold Exfoliation Lotion, $69.95, Alpha-H. Be protected 4 Supreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydrating Facial Sunscreen, $47, Ultra Violette. Feel soothed and pampered 5 Rosewater Balancing Mist 100ml, $52, Jurlique. LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD MAKEUP Looking your best in minimal makeup. Enjoy bigger, better lashes 6 Goddess Black Mascara, $39, Eye of Horus. Play up your lips with an Aussie fave 7 Lip Colour in 20 shades, $15.95, Natio. Boost your skin’s glow factor 8 Radiant Glow Veil, $69, Inika Organic. EVERYDAY HAIR…

Myth Going to therapy means you are weak or unstable Truth It takes courage and strength to admit you need help. Would you consider yourself weak for seeking treatment for cancer or heart disease? Myth A friend can do the same thing for you Truth Friends support you emotionally, but may lack the impartial and expert viewpoint you need – or the patience. Myth You’ll be in therapy forever Truth The goal of therapy is to help you develop skills, insights and perspective so you can take what you’ve learned and apply it on your own. NEED HELP NOW? Make the call… Lifeline 13 11 14 Sane 1800 187 263 Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636…

There’s a powerful saying when it comes to diversity and inclusion: you can’t be what you can’t see. It’s a tenet that holds true down to the youngest members of our community, and one that plays out at the Indigenous Jarjums playgroup in Coomera, Queensland. CULTURAL CONNECTION Jarjums, meaning ‘children’, is run by The Benevolent Society, whose focus on engagement and access for Indigenous families reflects its extensive work around issues such as cultural identity. And, while it’s fairly new on the scene, the playgroup has been warmly embraced by parents such as Kirby, whose son, Asa, identifies as Wakka Wakka. ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY “Growing up, my husband didn’t have a lot of connection with country. And it’s very important to me to make sure that’s a facet of my…

GRAFTING This method is used to join rows of stocking stitch together without a visible seam. Place equal numbers of stitches on 2 double-pointed needles, with a long end of yarn at right-hand end of back needle and right sides of work facing outwards. Thread the long end through a wool needle. 1 Bring the yarn forward under the front needle and insert wool needle as if to purl into first stitch on front needle, draw yarn through; leave stitch on the needle 2 Take the yarn back under the front needle and insert wool needle as if to knit into first stitch on back needle, draw yarn through; leave stitch on the needle. 3 Bring the yarn forward under the front needle and insert wool needle as if to…

Abbreviations Ch = chain; beg = begin/beginning; bl = back loop; dc = double crochet; fl = front loop; htr = half treble crochet; sp/s = space/s; ss = slip stitch; st/s = stitch/stitches; tog = together; tr = treble; yrh = yarn round hook ICE BLOCKS Finished size Approx. 13cm tall Gather your supplies 1 ball each of 4ply cotton yarn 50g: aqua, lilac, peach, pale beige and blossom pink; 3.25mm crochet hook; 4 safety eyes, 4mm in size; fibrefill; stitch markers NOTE The Ice Blocks are worked from the top down in the amigurumi method, working in a continuous spiral unless otherwise stated. Place a marker in the first st of each round, moving it up as you work. Ice Block with Sprinkles Body Using a 3.25mm hook…

COURTYARD CAPERS, P46 Project supplies Bunnings 70 x 45mm treated pine, $4.55/m. 2440 x 1220 x 18mm marine plywood, $157. 130 x 19mm blackbutt decking, $13.59/m. Easyroll M12 x 50mm adjustable foot, $12.58. Easyroll threaded feet insert, $15/pk2. 125mm galvanised batten screws, $17.24/pk25. 50mm galvanised screws, $5.10/pk50. 30mm galvanised screws, $3.98/pk22. Dulux Weathershield exterior paint, $53/1L. Intergrain Ultraclear exterior varnish, $64.50/1L. TIPS FROM THE FARM, P54 Project supplies Bunnings Floriana ‘Little Napoli’ tomato seedling, $6.98. Brunnings 25L tomato and vegetable growing mix, $3.80. Whites outdoor black square hanging basket hook, from $2.20. Independent hardware and garden centres Northcote Alice basket with coir matting 30cm, $20; 35cm, $25. LOVE YOUR HANG UPS, P58 Project supplies ANL Yellow brickies sand, $8/20kg. Cement, $10/20kg. Sandstone flagging, $140/sqm. Quick-set concrete, $10/20kg. Bunnings Hills rotary…

This issue of Better Homes and Gardens is published by Are Media Pty Limited (Are). Are may use and disclose your information in accordance with our Privacy Policy, including to provide you with your requested products or services and to keep you informed of other Are publications, products, services and events. Our Privacy Policy is at www.aremedia.com.au/privacy/. It also sets out how you can access or correct your personal information and lodge a complaint. We disclose your personal information offshore to our joint venture partners, service providers and agents. It is not practicable to specify all countries to which we may disclose your personal information. The countries your personal information will be disclosed to include New Zealand, the USA and the Philippines. In addition, this issue may contain Reader Offers,…

When you think of iconic Australian plants, there are gums, wattles and grevilleas. And they dominate in our backyards and parks. But it’s our minor stars that are having a huge impact in gardens all over the world. They can be as punky as a solitary grass tree pulling focus amid cacti in Central America or as quirky as a mass of kangaroo paws adding spike and spice in the Mediterranean. Even little lovelies – daisies, buttons and sneaky climbers – have infiltrated European, American and Asian gardens. So if you don’t have one, or some, of these in your garden, you’re letting the side down! “MANY NATIVES NEED LESS WATERING AND FEEDING” WHAT MAKES OUR PLANTS SPECIAL • Australia’s geographic isolation has meant many of our flowering plants are…

GRANNY SMITH APPLE So crisp, so tangy, so firm and juicy – so Aussie! AVOCADO Smash every breakfast, lunch or dinner with this! LIME Tart up your food with both the juice and leaves. PASSIONFRUIT Such a welcome friend to lonely fences or poles. GRAPE Drape your pergola in vines for fruit on the go. PEACH A tiny blossom made this sweet, juicy beauty!…

Proudly Australian owned and made, these animals are designed to bring happiness to your everyday life. Crafted in the main from Corten steel, they are designed to change colour and rust – simply hammer into any tree, timber post or into the ground, and enjoy! SHOP NOW HOT OFFER!* RECEIVE A FREE magpie baby with any bird order RECEIVE A FREE wombat baby with any animal order BUY YOURS AND SEE THE ENTIRE COLLECTION AT BHGSHOP.COM.AU Postage and handling additional. Delivery within Australia only. Offer available while stocks last. * This offer is for a limited time only, valid now through 13/10/21 or while stocks last.…

SEASON SPECIALS Step out and surround yourself with sweet, sweet scents. What’s cooking? Heliotrope smells like cherry pie, and is often called that. Simply stunning Old-fashioned jasmine has a simple flower but an intoxicating perfume. GO classic Nothing beats the strong, sweet, heady scent of lilacs. 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 Amaranthus, cosmos (left), dahlia, marigold, petunia, verbena and zinnia. ZONES 1-3 Balsam, celosia, salvia and vinca. ZONES 4-6 Ageratum (left), arctotis, aster, candytuft, cleome, cornflower, delphinium, dianthus, godetia, impatiens, nasturtium and snapdragon. VEGETABLES ALL ZONES Asparagus, beans, beetroot (left), capsicum, carrot, chilli, lettuce, pumpkin, shallot, squash, sweetcorn,…

Summertime and the living is easy… and also done outdoors in the land Down Under! From cooking on the barbie and eating under the pergola to lounging by the pool or having drinks on the deck, Aussies have always had a love affair with all things alfresco. And you don’t need a big backyard or big budget to create your own outdoor oasis, as there are lots of ways to incorporate the key elements you need – a way to keep drinks chilled, a comfy place to sit, mood lighting for night-time and a flower feast for the eyes. So check out these ideas to lush up and spruce up your outdoor space for dining, chilling, entertaining and more. “Tis the season for living outdoors and loving every minute!” EASY…

FROM SLICES TO SCONES AND A SPECTACULAR SPONGE, GET YOUR BAKE ON – AUSSIE STYLE! PINEAPPLE SYRUP CAKE WITH PINEAPPLE FLOWERS Preparation time 35 mins plus 1 hour standing Cooking time 2¼ hours Serves 8-10 200g unsalted butter, at room temperature1 cup caster sugar3 free-range eggs, at room temperature440g can crushed pineapple in natural juice½ cups self-raising flour, sifted1 cup buttermilkMascarpone and small mint leaves, to serve SYRUP ¾ cup water⅔ cup caster sugar PINEAPPLE FLOWERS 1 small pineapple STEP 1 To make pineapple flowers, preheat oven to 100°C fan-forced (120°C conventional). Place 2 wire racks over 2 large oven trays. Remove ends from pineapple. Peel pineapple, cutting close enough to remove eyes. Use a mandoline to shave pineapple into 3mm thick slices (you can use a large sharp knife,…

BOTANICAL BRILLIANCE Produced in Melbourne, Taka Gin, $90 for 700ml, is a new drink inspired by a fusion of Indigenous botanical flavours, including lemon-scented gum leaf and native lemongrass. The word ‘taka’ means taste, from the Gunditjmara language from south-west Victoria. The gin has a smooth, soft aromatic citrus and fragrant flavouring. Visit takaginco.com.au. MIX MAGIC No more waiting for cold butter to soften! The Sunbeam MixMaster HeatSoft Hand Mixer, $99.95, has a clever heat setting to soften cold ingredients as you beat for perfect results every time you bake! Visit harveynorman.com.au. that’s a wrap Made from 100% Australian beeswax, Queen B wraps are the natural alternative to plastic. Check out the native flowers range in three colourways by Aussie artist and textile designer Jocelyn Proust, $39.95 for three medium…

FOR SHOPPING DETAILS, SEE OUR STOCKISTS PAGE…

A quick and easy way to warm up your home is to add timber accents. But there’s no need to spend up big. With a little imagination you can turn basic items you already have – or can pick up for just a few dollars – into bespoke accessories. This cute project gives curtain rings new life as charming vases. EASY STEPS TO YOUR CURTAIN RING VASE Gather your supplies • Timber curtain rings in white and natural • Craft cork sheet • Mini glass jars You’ll also need Marker; scissors; sandpaper; PVA glue For you to note • This project stacks both whitewashed and natural timber rings, but you can use any configuration you like. Just remove the screw eye pins before using. • You can use a furniture…

“Hack your homewares for new deco pieces” Inspired by the ceramic handled jugs that are on-trend right now, this project is a great way to upcycle one of your inexpensive glass vases. You just mix white paint with bicarb soda to create a textured effect, and make the handles out of curtain rings cut in half. Clever! EASY STEPS TO YOUR HANDLED VASE Gather your supplies • Timber curtain rings • Glass vase • Water-based enamel gloss paint in White You’ll also need Sharp knife; cutting board; measuring tape; marker; construction adhesive; medium-grit sandpaper; acetone; plastic container; spoon; bicarbonate of soda; paintbrush Here’s how STEP 1 Remove screw eye pins from 2 curtain rings and cut in half using a sharp knife. STEP 2 Use a measuring tape to find…

Long and lush lashes look sensational, so it’s no wonder that women strive to create the effect. But, did you know that your day-to-day bathroom habits could actually be jeopardising your chances of having beautiful lashes naturally? Here are 10 common no-nos to avoid. 1 SCRUBBING OFF MAKEUP Habit You use unnecessary pressure to remove eye makeup. Issue Excessive rubbing can make your lashes fall out. Solution Next time you’re at the basin, turn off auto pilot and use a light blotting and wiping technique while the makeup remover does the rest. No rubbing or tugging needed! 2 USING EXPIRED MAKEUP Habit You don’t refresh your makeup bag. Issue All makeup and skin care products have a use-by-date, featured on their packaging. Solution As a general rule, replace mascara every three to…

The Great Barrier Reef Len Zell (Murdoch Books, $59.99) The Great Barrier Reef is like nowhere else on Earth. For many of us, the very name conjures up images of azure waters teeming with colourful fish against a background of coral in every shape, colour and form. Yet there is so much more to know. Discover how it was formed, learn about life on the reef, and meet the plants and animals that inhabit it. The book also looks at the environmental challenges facing the incredibly delicate ecosystem, and what the future may hold. Illustrated in spectacular full colour throughout, it also has hints and tips for making the most of any visit to the reef, making this the ultimate guide to one of the most treasured natural wonders of…

Agency by Domminique agencyskin.com.au Alpha-H alpha-h.com ANL anlscape.com.au Batch # batchceramics.com.au BC Stone 1300 621 870 Big Ass Fans bigassfans.com/au Bisanna Tiles 02 9310 2500 Bondi Sands bondisands.com.au Bonnie and Neil bonnieandneil.com.au Bunnings bunnings.com.au Candana candana.com.au Clay Nerd Instagram @neridapatton De Lorenzo delorenzo.com.au Dixon Joinery dixonjoinery.com.au EcoSmart+ Fire ecosmartfire.com.au Endota Spa endotaspa.com.au Evo evohair.com Eye of Horus eyeofhoruscosmetics.com Great Dane greatdanefurniture.com Inika Organic inikaorganic.com Jurlique jurlique.com/au Know The Rose knowtherose.com.au Maybelline New York chemistwarehouse.com.au Natio natio.com.au NAV newageveneers.com.au Northcote Pottery northcotepottery.com Officeworks officeworks.com.au Resene resene.com.au Royal Design Studio Stencils royaldesignstudio.com Society of Wanderers societyofwanderers.com Spotlight spotlightstores.com Superlight superlight.com.au The Sheet Society thesheetsociety.com.au Ultimate Flooring ultimateflooringaustralia.com.au Ultra Violette adorebeauty.com.au Utopia Goods utopiagoods.com Wood + Water woodandwater.com.au…

The rains are uncertain but the sky is huge and blue - one of two factors that set modern Australian gardens apart. The other is the colour of our foliage. Blue-green, yellow-green, silver or grey, soft bronze, rich rust – it explodes against the horizon, especially as the blue sky emerges from a golden sunrise and fades into brilliant reds and golds at sunset. Modern Australian garden design – both here and overseas – exploits these colours and climate and boosts diversity by mixing natives and plants from around the world to suit.…

BRING IN THE HEAVYWEIGHTS Amid the softy rounded shrubs, plant spiky plants such as the tough New Zealand flax, with its bronzy leaves making a stark contrast. ROCK YOUR GARDEN Instead of lawn, cover your ground with crushed gravel as an extension of the sand on the beach, then plant small rocks under your shrubs! SURPRISES COME IN BOXES Beautifully weathered timber outdoor furniture looks as if you’ve recycled bits of driftwood picked off the beach into classy stools.…

Problem Your garden is north-facing, but shade cast by a tree or building gives it a southern aspect. Solution Add shade-loving plants. Problem Certain garden corners are microclimates at odds with your overall patch, such as mass plantings that lift humidity. Solution Mass plant only in areas with good air flow. Problem Plants on one side of a path thrive while those on the other side fail as they’re under eaves and don’t get the same rain. Solution Hand-water plants under eaves. Problem Tradies have tipped leftover lime from cement mix into your garden, changing the soil pH levels. Solution Get a soil pH tester from your local nursery, then add sulphur if the alkalinity is too high. Problem You’ve mixed thirsty plants with abstinent ones. Solution Put like-minded plants…

BRING A TROPICAL RESORT VIBE TO YOUR SPACE WITH GENEROUS CHAIRS AND A FULL LOUNGE TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE LONG SUMMER DAYS. THROW OPEN THE WINDOWS AND DOORS TO CONNECT WITH THE SEASON. WARM DAYS AND NIGHTS ARE HERE TO STAY. LIFE IS EASY WHEN YOU MAKE TIME TO APPRECIATE THE BEAUTY OF SUMMER. A PALETTE OF NEUTRALS AND BLUES HELPS TO KEEP THE MOOD CALM AND INVITING. WHETHER IT’S BRUNCH, LUNCH, DINNER OR DRINKS, THE PLEASURE OF EATING OUTDOORS IS TOO GOOD TO MISS. MAXIMISE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH FURNITURE DESIGNED TO MAKE ENTERTAINING AND RELAXING EVEN MORE ENJOYABLE. DINING ALFRESCO MEANS ENJOYING GOOD TIMES AND GOOD FOOD IN THE FRESH AIR WHILE THE SOUNDS AND SCENTS OF SUMMER SURROUND YOU. MAKE YOUR SUMMER LAST BY FINDING A…

MISO-GLAZED PORK SKEWERS AND NOODLE SALAD Preparation time 20 mins Cooking time 10 mins Serves 4-6 2 Tbsp white miso paste½ cup dark honeyJuice of 1 lemon1 Tbsp rice vinegar1 tsp garlic powder4cm piece ginger, finely gratedSea-salt flakes and freshly ground white pepper, to season800g pork fillet, cubed3 x 180g packets soba noodles2 tsp sesame oil4 green shallots, finely sliced2 carrots, grated1 red onion, very finely slicedCooking oil sprayJapanese mayonnaise, sesame seeds and lime wedges, to serve STEP 1 Mix miso, honey, lemon, vinegar, garlic and ginger in a bowl. Season. Toss with pork, thread onto skewers and set aside for 20 minutes. STEP 2 Meanwhile, pour boiling water on noodles, drain well and drizzle with oil. Toss with shallot, carrot and onion. STEP 3 Spray skewers with cooking oil,…

The secret to a great photo is lighting – and you don’t need to be a pro to get it right. Whether you have an Etsy store or just want to up your Instagram game, a lightbox is the key. But you don’t have to spend big on equipment – all you really need is a cardboard box and a smartphone for a DIY mini studio to hone your styling and photography skills! EASY STEPS TO YOUR LIGHT BOX Gather your supplies • Square cardboard box • Tracing paper • White cardboard • Decorative items • Desk lamps • Phone and tripod You’ll also need Cutting mat; scissors; utility knife; steel rule; double-sided sticky tape; pegs; lightweight balsa wood dowel (optional) Here’s how STEP 1 Cut off all 4 base…

A ussie-based author Joanna Nell didn’t set out to carve herself a niche in fiction. But in creating senior-driven stories free of stereotype and suffused with charm, she has captured the wit, experience, smarts, attitude, sorrow and mischief of an age group that is all too often invisible – older women. The author, a GP and ‘accidental’ positive ageing advocate, says her passion for age-defying stories grew from genuine interest and respect. “I had read a number of books that were starting to tell the stories of some older characters, but I noticed a lot of them were from the point of view of men,” she says. “And while these were fantastic, I thought the women really weren’t getting a look in. I think, however much we try to deny…