Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2024 i Better Homes and Gardens Australia

Every year, we have the opportunity to create a special kitchen issue. As one of the busiest rooms, where we spend so much time, there’s a strong case for remodelling your kitchen. If you’re not ready to go all-in on a reno, there are easier ways to update your culinary space. Go to page 122 for beautiful design ideas in a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations and palettes that will make you want to redo the hub of your home. You’ll also find budget-savvy hacks on page 136. And, if you’re a small-space dweller, you won’t be left out in the cold thanks to our new regular feature on apartments (page 114). All this kitchen and refurb talk is triggering hunger pangs! We’ve got just the recipes to satisfy your…

GROW YOUR OWN GINGER PLANTS PUMPKIN AND LAMB TAGINE Warming cinnamon, turmeric and mace enhance the sweetness of pumpkin. Preparation time 15 mins Cooking time 1 hour 10 mins Serves 8 2 Tbsp olive oil Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season 900g boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 2.5cm pieces 700g butternut pumpkin, peeled, cut into 2cm pieces 2 brown onions, finely chopped ¼ cup tomato paste 3 Tbsp finely grated ginger 8 cloves garlic, finely grated 10cm cinnamon stick ½ tsp ground mace 1 tsp ground turmeric 1L salt-reduced beef or chicken stock Couscous and torn mint leaves, to serve STEP 1 Heat oil in a 5.5L flameproof casserole dish on medium. Season lamb. Cook, in 2 batches, for 5 minutes or until brown on all sides.…

PROSCIUTTO-WRAPPED CHICKEN WITH SPINACH POLENTA Preparation time 15 mins Cooking time 15 mins Serves 4 4 x 180g chicken breast fillets Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season 6 thin slices prosciutto 2 Tbsp olive oil 12 sage leaves 3½ cups vegetable stock 1 cup instant polenta 120g bag baby spinach STEP 1 Put chicken breasts between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and put on a board. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound until each chicken breast is 2cm thick. STEP 2 Season chicken, then wrap a slice of prosciutto around each breast, tucking ends under to make a seam at the base. Use remaining prosciutto slices to patch any gaps. STEP 3 Heat oil in a large frying pan on high. Add sage (be careful…

SEEN ON BHG TV FRIDAYS 7.00 You’ve got a bare patch in your garden where plants fail to thrive. But before you head off to the nursery to spend a couple of hundred dollars on plants to fill the spot – again – find out why that patch doesn’t deliver. It usually comes down to three problems – you’ve chosen the wrong plants for the spot, the soil is not good, or there’s not enough plant aftercare. Once you’ve identified the issue and corrected it, your bare patch will become an ornamental delight! CHARLIE ALBONE Join me as I show you how to fix up problem spots in your garden on BHG TV, Friday, August 23 at 7pm on Channel 7. (Apologies, may be subject to change.) For more garden…

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 On these days, thin out seed boxes, sow all types of seeds and plant seedlings that produce their crop above the ground. These include all varieties of peas, beans, corn, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprout, eggplant, lettuce, celery, silverbeet, spinach, endive, Chinese cabbage, tomato, cucumber, asparagus crowns, artichoke, marrow, pumpkin, capsicum, melon, zucchini, chicory, sprouts, rhubarb, all herbs (except garlic) and all agricultural crops, such…

Are you well and truly over seeing those dark spots on your face? Hyperpigmentation is a common problem that affects women of all ages and skin types. It’s a condition that results in certain areas of your skin appearing darker than the rest, either in small spots or over larger areas, and while it doesn’t cause any discomfort, it can leave you feeling self-conscious. The causes are varied, but there are ways you can minimise the appearance of hyperpigmentation and help prevent it from happening. Here’s how. GOOD TO KNOW Always be gentle with your skin. Rubbing hard or aggressively can cause irritation and potentially lead to increased hyperpigmentation. WHAT IS IT? Hyperpigmentation happens when there is an over-production of melanin in certain areas, which then clumps and leads to…

"THE MASTER OF THE MYSTERY" Close To Death Anthony Horowitz (Penguin Random House, $34.99) Riverview Close is a quiet, peaceful gated community in one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in London. At least, it is until Giles Kenworthy moves in with his wife, rowdy kids, four gas-guzzling cars, disruptive parties and plans for a new swimming pool. His neighbours all have a reason to hate him. When Giles is shot through the neck with a crossbow bolt and found dead, all of them face suspicion. Lies, deception and further death ensue in this puzzling whodunnit. FREE Meg Keneally (Echo Publishing, $32.99) Born into poverty in eighteenth-century England, Molly Thistle refuses to follow the path laid out before her. Her headstrong nature and desire for freedom were always destined to determine…

Deputy editor Raffaela Pugliese Creative director Scott Cassidy Production editor Joseph Kenworthy Senior sub editor Sally Paine Design director Monique Larracy Senior designer Carol Tang Decorating editor Raffaela Pugliese Garden editor Jenny Dillon Food editor Sarah Murphy DIY editor Tiff Bancroft Beauty editor Annie Millar Stylist Kate Walsh Editor’s assistant Sonya Dlugosch Enquiries (02) 9282 8000 REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS In your garden Tony Fawcett Moon guide Milton Black Better pets Caroline Zambrano ADVERTISING Commercial brand manager Jo-Ann Taylor Brand executive Claire Ellis Sales director NSW, Vic, SA, WA Karen Holmes Qld head of sales Judy Taylor Marketing manager Jess Taylor Subscriptions campaign manager Nicolette Zorzopis TELEVISION Host Johanna Griggs Presenters: Pets Dr Harry Cooper Gardening Graham Ross, Melissa King DIY Adam Dovile Food Colin Fassnidge, Clarissa Feildel  Landscaping Charlie Albone  Decorating…

1 CROWD PLEASER Large hyacinth bulbs can produce up to 60 florets, but the stem may crumble from the weight. Smaller bulbs will produce about 40. 2 FLORAL COLLAGE Randomly mix colours when mass planting hyacinths in your garden and vary the forms by mingling tight clusters of flowers with more loose arrangements. 3 PEEK-A-BOO! Have a hoot with roots and shoots. Start by propping up a bulb inside a vase half filled with water in a cupboard until roots appear, then gradually move into soft light. Don’t let the bulb touch the water! 4 GO KALEIDOSCOPIC There’s nothing subtle about the colour range of hyacinths – whatever mix you choose you’ll be adding psychedelic drama to your garden! 5 ALL-TIME CLASSIC Arrange blue, purple and white varieties in the…

SEASON SPECIALS You know spring is on its way when these flower. DAINTY DAISIES Get clusters of blooms in pinks, purples and whites from a Geraldton wax! GLOW IN THE DARK Light up the shade with luminescent cream, yellow and orange clivias. FLUFFY FAVES Hardenbergia – the native wisteria – gets a start on the exotic variety! 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, aster, carnation, cosmos, dianthus, impatiens (top left), marigold, nasturtium, petunia, salvia, snapdragon, verbena and zinnia. ZONE 1-3: Coleus, celosia, dahlia and phlox. ZONE 4-6: Californian poppy, chrysanthemum and lobelia (bottom left). VEGETABLES ALL ZONES:…

SEEN ON BHG TV FRIDAYS 7.00 Our homes have long been the centre of family life, but these days they’re also increasingly the backdrop for work and play. Don’t worry if your place is too small for the ‘extras’ you often see in larger homes, like an office or entertainment room. One of the best ways to maximise your available space is a multipurpose room. For a catch-all space everyone will use, follow our step-by-step projects and deco hacks. Let’s get the job done Carve out a dedicated work-from-home spot to get the creative juices flowing. All you need is a nook with enough space to accommodate a work station made from upcycled drawer units and flatpack panels. Add storage boxes, plus decorative desk lighting, and you’re all set.…

Everyone needs sleep to survive, just as you need food and water. Yes, it’s that important. In fact, sleep profoundly impacts every aspect of your life, from your health and wellbeing to your relationships and daily functioning. While you’re sleeping your body goes into repair and rejuvenation mode. Lack of sleep interrupts these fundamental processes, affecting your energy levels, mental clarity, concentration and mood. HOW SLEEP CAN HELP Here’s why sleep is more than just a time for your body to rest – it’s a crucial period for restoration and rejuvenation. BETTER RELATIONSHIPS Adequate sleep is essential for emotional stability. It helps to regulate your mood and emotions, and enhances your ability to connect with others. Being well-rested helps to encourage patience, reduce irritability, and improve your general mood, making…

ALL DRESSED UP Roller Blinds are affordable, sophisticated window furnishings that can accentuate any space. Available in sheer, translucent and blackout finishes, there’s a style to suit every need-from softening sunlight to providing privacy. They also come with motorised options for convenience. choicesflooring.com NATURAL CHARM Designing your dream home? Start from the beginning and choose a natural and sustainable material that promotes wellbeing. The Ultimate Renewable shares tips on how to incorporate wood into your home, from framing to flooring. Make wood your material of choice. bit.ly/3KXXAim SUPER STRONG Formulated with men’s skin in mind, this double-duty lotion offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, while delivering nourishing daily moisture. Available for $21.95, the Natio SPF50+ moisturiser has a quick-drying, comfortable formula. natio.com.au BIGGER, BETTER Get the perfect fit for your space…

YOUR SHOPPING DIRECTORY Adairs adairs.com.au Booktopia booktopia.com.au Bunnings bunnings.com.au Catch catch.com.au Country Road countryroad.com.au David Jones davidjones.com Dymocks dymocks.com.au Etsy etsy.com.au Evidence Skincare eskcare.com  Freedom freedom.com.au  Ginger & Me gingerandme.com IKEA ikea.com/au  Ipsum ipsumskin.com  Kiehl’s mecca.com.au  Kmart kmart.com.au  La Roche-Posay laroche-posay.com.au  Mukti Organics muktiorganics.com  Myer myer.com.au  Natio natio.com.au  Olay priceline.com.au  Palmer’s chemistdirect.com.au  Papaya papaya.com.au Paula’s Choice paulaschoice.com.au  Pillowtalk pillowtalk.com.au  Provincial Home Living provincialhomeliving.com.au  Seed Heritage seedheritage.com  Spotlight spotlightstores.com  Textures and Cream Studio instagram.com/Texturesandcream/  The Ordinary priceline.com.au  The Skills theskills.com.au  West Elm westelm.com.au LOVE YOUR KITCHEN, PAGE 136 Shopping details Adairs Maldives natural table light 37.5 x 44.5cm, $199.99. Malmo linen throw 130 x 170cm in Natural, $119.99. Booktopia Jamie Cooks Italy by Jamie Oliver, $38.75. Super Food Family Classics by Jamie Oliver, $60.25. Even More Basics to Brilliance by Donna…

EASY STEPS TO A FRENCH ONION AND BEEF PIE Scoring the pastry is optional, but it’s a simple way to take a classic pie to next-level glam! Preparation time 20 mins (plus 30 mins chilling and freezing) Cooking time 2 hours 30 mins Serves 4 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1kg chuck steak, cut into 2cm pieces 40g unsalted butter, chopped 4 brown onions, thinly sliced 6 sprigs thyme 2 Tbsp brown sugar 1 Tbsp plain flour 1 cup white wine ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce 2 cups beef stock 2 carrots, peeled, halved and sliced 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced 2 bay leaves 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard 2 sheets butter puff pastry 1 free-range egg, lightly beaten 150g coarsely grated gruyère cheese 1 Tbsp thyme leaves Sea-salt flakes and…

SEEN ON BHG TV FRIDAYS 7.00 HELLO SUNSHINE! Make better use of natural light. Here, old superfluous box shelves underneath the window were replaced with a sun-drenched breakfast bench. LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE Choose a half-strength paint for the lower cabinets and a quarter strength for the uppers to make the space feel light and fresh. JULIET LOVE Join me as I show you how to make over your interiors on BHG TV, Fridays at 7pm on Channel 7. (Apologies, may be subject to change.) For more decorating, go to bhg.com.au. There’s nothing quite so inviting as a kitchen that feels as much like a warm welcome as it does a workspace. It’s little wonder, then, that most of us are low-key obsessed with making our kitchen the…

SEEN ON BHG TV FRIDAYS 7.00 Choose classic white sealant or a colour to match your benchtop and tiles. The kitchen and bathroom are the hardest-working rooms in your home, hands down, so it’s only to be expected the silicone sealant will need replacing every few years. With a couple of supplies, tools and elbow grease, you can complete this easy maintenance job in just an afternoon, for a professional-like finish! EASY STEPS TO RESEALING WITH SILICONE SEALANT Safety notes When operating power tools, wear safety glasses, a mask and earmuffs, and tie your hair back. When appropriate, wear gloves and protective clothing. Project notes • Allow 72 hours for the silicone to cure before it is exposed to water. • Apply in sections to ensure the sealant is…

SAVE ON HOME RENOVATIONS Get the home of your dreams within budget with these tips ASK AROUND Before hiring any trades or contractors, ask friends and colleagues for recommendations. Tass Construction Group co-founders Ben and Aaron Tass advise asking potential hires for client references: “Ensure your architect or designer has a good understanding of current construction costs, and the capability to tailor the design to a specific budget.” GET AT LEAST THREE QUOTES Doing a reno is all about the early grunt work, but it will save you in the end. Get as many quotes as possible for the jobs you need doing – at least three is advisable, but some experts recommend five. NSW Fair Trading suggests providing potential contractors with exactly the same project information to easily compare…

Pay attention to your pooch Wouldn’t it be fabulous to spend every waking (and sleeping) moment with our dogs? Then they’d never feel neglected! “Dogs are bred to be with humans, so it’s important for their health and wellbeing to give a dog your time, energy and attention,” says Cathy Beer from Pets4Life Dog Training. “Besides giving belly rubs and smooches, you need to actively engage with them by playing, walking, training, feeding and talking to them.” Some dogs can be needier than others, but excessive attention-seeking could indicate underlying anxiety. GOING SOLO All dogs need to learn to be comfortable spending time alone. Unfortunately, separation anxiety is a common behavioural issue. The signs could be excessive panting, barking, whining or howling, destructive behaviour and potty accidents (when already trained)…