Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2017 i The Australian Women's Weekly

There’s a certain dread that comes with fire season if you live in a bushfire zone. It’s watching the undergrowth become so dry it crackles. It’s days when the heat rising under your feet makes you feel like the land is breathing and how the hairs on the back of your neck stand up when the wind swings north. Growing up on the rural fringe, I remember Mum teaching me to drive the car, aged 10. If the bushfire threat was too great, I knew my job was to pack the photo albums, load up the dogs and get my little brother out. There were the years we evacuated and the time we had to drain the neighbours’ swimming pool to fill the tanks on the Country Fire Authority’s truck.…

What’s good about turning 75?” ponders Ita Buttrose, having just swept into the room like a summer breeze to meet The Weekly. “Well,” she offers after a hard think, “best of all,” she exults, “I’m still here!” And three cheers for that. With her milestone birthday looming on January 17, “life is just as wonderfully frantic as ever”. So what better time to reflect on what has been, and still is, a remarkable life? In her 60 years in the media, Ita has interviewed and written about the world’s most fascinating people – yet few could be as compelling as the lady herself. Although usually too busy to reminisce, today, for The Weekly, the magazine that remains in her heart 41 years after she became its youngest editor, she’s happy…

As she waved off her excited daughters, Helen and Rosie, on that fiercely hot January morning, the then 34-year-old Wendy Ward had no idea that it would be the last time she’d ever see her pretty blonde eldest girls alive. Elizabeth, known by her middle name Helen, 11, and Rosie, eight, perished in the Granville train disaster. The girls were found by rescuers being protectively sheltered by their grandad, Walter “Vic” Miles, and their step-grandmother, Marjory “Madge” Miles. Wendy’s life and those of countless others were irrevocably altered at 8.10am on January 18, 1977, when a train from the Blue Mountains to Sydney’s Central Station derailed and was then crushed by Granville’s collapsing Bold Street Bridge. “People say to me, ‘What’s it like, living with Granville?’” says 74-year -old Wendy…

“Like Darth Vader, she had a laser and knew how to use it.” Last year, my husband gave me a present for my birthday that took my breath away. It set a new benchmark in the world of husband/wife present exchanging and regularly I’d field enquiries from other husbands about it. They weren’t wanting to know where they could get one for their wives, no, no, they were wanting to know if the legend was true – did my husband really give me a voucher for laser hair removal? I loved the shock on their faces when I told them no, he didn’t give me a voucher for hair removal, he just gave me a business card for a hair removal salon and a firm suggestion I should “fix myself…

RETRO STYLE These stylish but classic swimsuits from City Chic will add instant ’50s glamour to your beach look. They’re designed with thicker, adjustable straps for extra support and flexible boning to contour and sculpt. Label love: W.Lane The new collection from W.Lane has your travel wardrobe sorted. Full of luxurious but versatile dresses, skirts, tops and pants that can be worn interchangeably, the clothes make packing for your next vacation minimal and easy. A SIZE TO SUIT Australian label Suzanne Grae believes that everyone should find shopping a breeze, no matter their shape or size. So, it has extended its size range up to 22 in selected styles, both in-store and online.…

Beautiful brows Eyebrows are a major feature in defining the face, but they can be a nightmare to shape and groom. These new products make those golden arches of hair above your eyes look shapely, fuller and gorgeous. 1. Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil, $42. This pencil has waterproof colour that lasts for up to 12 hours and comes with a blending spoolie brush. Available in six shades. 2. Australis Brow Lift Highlighter & Concealer, $9.95. A two-in-one brow pencil with concealer and highlighter. Use the highlighter under the brow, following the arch. Editor’s pick Is your skin looking a little tired and dull? Try this lotion, which is packed with antioxidant active ingredients to re-energise the skin. Lancôme Énergie De Vie Smoothing & Plumping Pearly Lotion, 200ml, $60. BUY…

Q What advice can you give to mums who want healthy looking hair? AI’ve learned that no matter how crazy your days are, it’s so important to treat yourself. During the early years, you don’t get much time to yourself, but if you keep up healthy habits like drinking lots of water, eating the right foods and going for walks, your hair and skin will look great and you’ll feel better all over. Q What’s your number-one hair challenge? AI’ve always had problems with frizz. Going from the longer locks to a liberating mid-length bob has definitely improved that; it’s made my hair look and feel so much healthier. Pantene Sheer Volume Conditioner helps tame my hair and gives it some added shine and body. It’s my secret weapon! Q…

QI’m concerned about the mercury levels my son might be consuming. He loves seafood and eats salmon most days for lunch at school. Can you eat too much fish? M.V., SA. It’s good that your son likes to eat seafood, because the omega-3 healthy fat content and protein are beneficial for his development. Smaller fish, such as salmon, are less likely to contain high levels of mercury than larger fish, such as swordfish; however, they can contain some mercury. Unborn babies and children up to six years of age are most vulnerable to the toxic effects of mercury. You could introduce other protein sources, such as eggs, tofu or chicken, to his diet for variety. QI’m 58, and whenever I go on a plane, my legs swell up. Do you…

Aussie mess SERVES 6 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES (+ COOLING TIME) 3 egg whites ¼ teaspoon fine salt ⅔ cup (150g) caster sugar 3 white peaches, skin on, quartered, stones removed juice of 1 lime 1 tablespoon icing sugar 1kg mangoes, peeled, diced pulp of 6 passionfruit 300ml thickened cream, whipped 1 Preheat oven to 170°C (150°C fan-forced). Grease a large oven tray and line with baking paper. 2 Beat the egg whites and salt with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Begin adding the caster sugar, a little at a time, until it’s all used up. Continue to mix until the egg whites form stiff, glossy peaks. (You should be able to hold the bowl of the mixer upside down for a slow count…

Margarita fish SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 15 MINUTES 1 lime 4 x 200g firm white fish fillets 1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes 1 clove garlic, crushed 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 500g cherry truss tomatoes 2 tablespoons tequila 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, extra 1 tablespoon caster sugar 450g packet microwave white long grain rice 2 cups loosely packed fresh coriander leaves 1 Heat an oiled grill plate (or grill or barbecue). Preheat grill. 2 Cut lime rind into thin strips; squeeze juice from lime. Combine rind, fish, chilli, garlic and oil in a large bowl; season. Cook fish on grill plate for about 3 minutes on each side or until cooked through. 3 Meanwhile, grill tomatoes until just beginning to split. 4 Combine lime juice,…

Egg-free meringues MAKES 8 PREP AND COOK TIME 3 HOURS (+ REFRIGERATION AND COOLING TIME) ½ cup (125ml) aquafaba (see Test Kitchen tip) ¾ cup (165g) caster sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar whipped cream and berries, to serve 1 Preheat oven to 100°C (80°C fan-forced). Line two oven trays with baking paper. 2 Whisk the aquafaba in a small bowl with an electric mixer on high speed for 8 minutes or until firm peaks form. Gradually add sugar, whisking until dissolved between additions. Whisk for 10 minutes or until thick and glossy. Beat in the vanilla bean paste and cream of tartar on low speed until just combined. 3 Using a large metal spoon, drop 8 meringues onto prepared trays. Bake for 2 hours…

1. Fresh scents in the laundry Developed with world-famous fragrance houses, Fluffy Temptations Fabric Conditioners are the ultimate everyday indulgence. Every touch releases fresh scent so your laundry stays fragrant for up to 14 days. Surrender to blissful aromas with fine fragrances for your clothes. RRP $3.99, 500ml; RRP $6.99, 1 litre. 2. Heal bruises fast Hirudoid Cream is clinically proven to speed up the healing process of bruises. Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. RRP $14.95, 20g; RRP $24.95, 40g. Visit hirudoid.com.au. ASMI 26950-1016. 3. Home care services With Living Care, you can choose from a range of aged care services provided in the comfort of your own home, so you can live independently with confidence. Please call us on…

FESTIVAL FEVER Sydney will be abuzz as the 41st Sydney Festival gets into full swing. Running from January 7 to 29, it features 150 events across 46 venues, including the musical Ladies in Black (above), which will also head to Brisbane, Melbourne and Canberra. Visit sydneyfestival.org.au. WORLD FIRST The Ensemble Theatre in Sydney is staging the world premiere of David Williamson’s new play Odd Man Out, a “love story with a few twists and turns”, starring Lisa Gormley and Justin Stewart Cotta (both above). From January 19 to March 18. Visit ensemble.com.au. Delightful Dusty Amy Lehpamer (left) stars as Dusty Springfield and Todd McKenney as her confidant Rodney in Dusty: The Musical, at the Festival Centre in Adelaide from December 31 to January 22. Visit adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au. BOXING DAY FILM RELEASES…

DAYS WITHOUT END by Sebastian Barry, Faber & Faber. A violent and deeply tender story of two lost boys – Thomas McNulty and John Cole – set during the founding years of America. First sighted, they’re teenagers dancing for the miners of Missouri – the frontier being short of women – but both soon sign up to the US Army. They fight first the Indians, then the Yankees in the Civil War – monstrous bloodfests both. Thomas is the narrator and Barry’s voice is pitch-perfect as he puzzles honour, madness and brotherhood as he travels the hard country he comes to love. He writes most movingly about what matters most to him, “Handsome John Cole”. The book mixes the gore of Cormac McCarthy with the gentleness of Brokeback Mountain; for…

“ I won’t sleep in outdoor tents (stiff back, mossies, snakes), but the indoor tent is almost okay. ” Didn’t you and I agree on Christmas night that we wouldn’t eat another thing until July 1, 2017? I’m sure I said something like that! It was right after I polished off the chocolate-coated cherries and the last of that amazing cheese. Was I drinking champagne? Yes, I was. Anyway, here I am in the supermarket and it’s barely January. It’s not that I’ve run out of food. The refrigerator is bulging with leftovers. There’s a ham the size of a small child on the bottom shelf. There are jars of designer honey and boxes of expensive teabags stacked three deep in the pantry. But this stuff has been “re-gifted” so…

Pat Bigham is not afraid of fire. She’s not afraid of heat so searing it snatches the breath from your lungs. She’s not afraid of darkness in the middle of the day from smoke so thick you can’t see your hand in front of you. And she’s not afraid of running into the teeth of a firestorm when everyone else is running away. “Having been through Ash Wednesday and Black Saturday, I know there’s no point worrying. Mother Nature will do what she chooses and we’ll just deal with whatever comes our way,” says the 68-year-old chicken farmer from Victoria’s Yarra Valley. “What will be will be.” It’s a mantra Pat and many other volunteer firefighters repeat every summer evening when they rest their heads on the pillow, knowing the…

Dr Bryan Mendelson, Melbourne Face: World-renowned surgeon. Rebuilds lives, as well as faces. The big name in Australia, Dr Mendelson travels extensively, lecturing, teaching and repairing. Dr Kourosh Tavakoli, Sydney Breast: Goddess breasts – natural, sexy, well-placed. I am prejudiced – I love his breasts (well, his patients’ breasts, at least). Dr Mark Magnusson, Toowoomba Breast: You never feel rushed, with Dr Magnusson taking up to an hour for each initial consultation. He gently guides his patients to the most appropriate size for their body. Dr Graeme Southwick, Melbourne Face: Director of the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery, he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). Dr Southwick is fanatical about patient safety and surgeons’ education. He has set up a foundation for further education in advanced…

Editor’s tip: Team a shoulder-baring ’50s silhouette with tropical-inspired shoes for the ultimate Cuban feel. All prices are approximate. Items available online where websites are quoted.…

Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than … Confidence. A woman who carries herself with complete confidence, in my eyes, is beautiful. My daily skin routine involves … Keeping it simple. Who has time to spend hours in the bathroom? For my day routine, I cleanse in the shower, then tone and moisturise. My night routine is the same, but with an eye cream added to help me on those long days on set. My signature fragrance is … Le Labo from Mecca Cosmetica. My must-have beauty products are … The ghd Platinum Styler – you can achieve everything you need with this tool, including sleek, straight hair or perfect waves. For my face, it’s my kohl eyeliner. The most common beauty mistake women make is … Overdoing the bronzer!…

BOOST YOUR VITAMIN D TO WARD OFF DEMENTIA People with low vitamin D levels have a higher risk of developing dementia, according to Edinburgh University experts. Researchers said hazards such as pollution and a lack of vitamin D, which is produced in the skin after sunlight exposure, may make people more prone to Alzheimer’s. See your GP to check if you have a vitamin D deficiency. MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS Scientists at Canada’s McGill University have found that young women who enjoy regular sex have better recall. A group of 78 women took memory tests and were quizzed about their sex lives. Those who had intercourse most often were better able to recall abstract words, suggesting a link between sex and the part of the brain that controls memory,…

Chilli barbecued haloumi with zucchini salad SERVES 6 AS A STARTER PREP AND COOK TIME 30 MINUTES (+ REFRIGERATION TIME) ½ cup (125ml) lemon juice ¼ cup (90g) honey 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 fresh long red chilli, sliced thinly 750g haloumi cheese, cut into 1cm slices 2 medium (240g) zucchini 170g asparagus, trimmed ½ cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves 50g sorrel leaves 1 Combine juice, honey, oil, garlic and chilli in a small jug. 2 Put haloumi in a large shallow glass or ceramic dish. Pour half the juice mixture over it; cover. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Reserve remaining juice mixture for dressing. 3 Using a vegetable peeler, peel zucchini and asparagus into long thin ribbons and rounds. Combine zucchini, asparagus and…

Salmon and brown rice salad SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 25 MINUTES ½ cup (80g) black rice ½ cup (80g) brown rice 300g cooked salmon, flaked ½ red onion, sliced finely 1 (130g) Lebanese cucumber, diced 100g snow peas, trimmed, blanched 1 cup fresh coriander leaves 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted DRESSING 2 tablespoons tamarind purée 1 teaspoon soy sauce 2 teaspoons finely grated ginger 1 tablespoon grated palm sugar ½ teaspoon ground cumin 1 large red chilli, finely sliced 1 Cook black and brown rice in a large saucepan of boiling water for 20 minutes or until tender. Drain; rinse well. Transfer to a large bowl and add the salmon, onion and cucumber. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper; toss to combine. 2 DRESSING Put…

Chocolate and rose cake SERVES 12 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR (+ COOLING TIME) ½ cup (50g) Dutch-processed cocoa 175g unsalted butter, chopped 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped coarsely 6 eggs, at room temperature 1½ cups (330g) caster sugar 1 teaspoon rosewater 2 cups (200g) hazelnut meal (ground hazelnuts) crystallised rose petals, to decorate, optional VANILLA ROSE CREAM 300ml thickened cream 2 teaspoons pure icing sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon rosewater pink food colouring 1 Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Grease a deep 22cm round springform pan; line base and side with baking paper. 2 Place cocoa, butter and chocolate in a large heatproof bowl over a medium saucepan of simmering water (do not allow base of bowl to touch water); stir until butter and…

For fashion store owner Lynn Clay, her home in Melbourne’s leafy Albert Park, which she shares with her husband, Geoff, is a tranquil escape. “We’ve lived here for just over three years and it still feels like I’m on holidays,” says Lynn. “Our street is so quiet, yet just around the corner there are buzzing cafes and restaurants, and the beach is only 10 minutes away.” The couple purchased the home after falling in love with its original, vintage features. The house had been untouched for generations and was begging for some special attention – a real renovator’s dream. “The kitchen had an original Kookaburra gas cooker and there was no heating or indoor toilet,” says Lynn.“We fell for the simplicity of the property, with its beautiful leadlight windows in…

The German Girl by Armando Lucas Correa, Atria Books. Although Armando Lucas Correa’s novel is inspired by a specific atrocity in the Second World War, it feels incredibly topical. This is a story about the desperate plight of refugees, of what happens when borders are closed and basic humanity is overcome by fear and prejudice. Correa is a journalist and the ingrained sense of purpose in his debut work of fiction gives this new window on the horrific consequences of the rise of Nazi Germany a sense of electric urgency. The novel is told through two narrators in alternate chapters, and it is their wide-eyed appeal that captivates. First is Hannah Rosenthal, an almost 12-year-old Jewish girl who, until now, has known a bourgeois life in 1939 Berlin. Hannah spends…

1.Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy, 1877. WHAT: Nine hundred pages set against the backdrop of Russian Tsarist high society, Tolstoy’s rich and complex depiction of the doomed love affair between married Anna and wealthy army officer Count Vronsky swept the way for a dozen film adaptations. WHY: Tolstoy’s descriptions of every bow and blush, curtsey and kiss, imbue this ever-marching, cliff-hanging saga with a timeless display of emotions. 2. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, 1925. WHAT: Bright young things squander wealth, smash objects of beauty, ruin lives and lose love in this decadent, foreboding tale of the Great American Dream – the book. WHY: Hailed the “Great American Novel”, the scenes that Fitzgerald called “the greatest, gaudiest spree in history” underline the devastating effects of Prohibition, as liquor…

In 1952, landing at London Airport on a flight from Kenya, where she had learnt of the death of her father, King George VI, and her own ascension to the throne, the new Queen Elizabeth was handed a letter from her grandmother, Queen Mary. “While you mourn your father,” it read, “you must also mourn someone else, Elizabeth Mountbatten, for she has now been replaced by another person, Elizabeth Regina. The two Elizabeths will frequently be in conflict with one another, but the Crown must win. Must always win.” This scene, which is played out in the new Netflix TV series The Crown, is a fiction. The King had, indeed, died and his daughter had landed at London Airport. Yet the letter is the invention of the dramatist Peter Morgan…

tortoiseshell The classic frames that never go out of style. Perfect for adding elegance and sophistication to oversized sunglasses. blue & purple They’re this summer’s on-trend hues. Add glamour to your look with styles even a Hollywood goddess would love to be seen in. STYLE TIP Avoid cleaning glasses with your shirt or tissues as this can scratch the lenses. Use the cloth that comes with them. metallic frames It’s the look that suits everyone and comes in a variety of shapes from the classic aviator to fashion favourite cat’s eye. STYLE TIP A great alternative to classic black which is versatile enough to be worn with the rest of your wardrobe.…

“Having good hair is so important. It makes me feel great and ready to take on my day.” Natalie Bassingthwaighte gets goosebumps when she talks about her children, although she’s not afraid to tell it like it is. “Being a mum is amazing, and incredibly exhausting. You definitely become more patient — it s a rocky, rewarding and enriching ride all at the same time.” For the savvy businesswoman, a dramatic haircut — switching from long, loose waves to a gorgeously textured and well conditioned mid-length bob then back to luscious long locks – has been key to allowing herself to feel empowered, regardless of what her schedule throws at her. “In a way, my hair is my armour. On days that I feel good about it, I feel more…

SUNDAY Breakfast: Spanish baked eggs with ham and spinach and slice wholegrain toast Lunch: Soto ayam (Balinese chicken soup) Snack: 15 almonds and ½ cup pineapple chunks Dinner: Lean and mean beef burritos Sweet treats: Drunken strawberries with citrus yoghurt and dark chocolate MONDAY Breakfast: Muesli with milk/yoghurt/ dairy alternative and fresh fruit OR wholegrain cereal with sprinkle of nuts/seeds, fruit and yoghurt Lunch: Supergreens soup with slice of wholegrain bread and cheese Snack: Hummus two ways with carrot and celery batons Dinner: Mediterranean chickpea stuffed sweet potatoes Sweet treats: Hot spiced cocoa TUESDAY Breakfast: Boiled/poached/scrambled eggs with 1 slice wholegrain toast, wilted spinach and grilled tomato Lunch: Adzuki bean and tuna salad Snack: Handful of nuts Dinner: Ricotta and basil meatballs in capsicum-tomato sauce served with ½ cup steamed…

1. Spicy Cajun potato wedges Preheat oven to 220°C (200°C fan-forced). Cut 1kg unpeeled kipfler potatoes into wedges. Combine 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon hot paprika, ½ teaspoon ground oregano, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon ground coriander and ¼ teaspoon chilli powder in a small bowl. Place wedges on a large oiled oven tray, in a single layer; drizzle with oil mixture, toss to coat. Roast for 40 minutes, turning occasionally or until crisp and cooked. Serve topped with oregano leaves. 2. Paprika potato wedges with parmesan Place two baking trays in oven; preheat oven to 240°C (220°C fan-forced). Cut 1kg peeled floury potatoes (such as sebago) into wedges. Place wedges in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive…

“The vanilla, raspberry, chocolate and coconut flavours go wonderfully together.” Lamington pops MAKES 10 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR (+ REFRIGERATION AND FREEZING TIME) 1 vanilla bean 300ml pouring cream 2 cups (500ml) milk ⅔ cup (150g) caster sugar 4 egg yolks 125g raspberries 1½ tablespoons icing sugar 1 teaspoon lemon juice 10 popsicle sticks 200g dark chocolate (55% cocoa), chopped 50g cocoa butter, chopped (see Test Kitchen tip) 2 tablespoons shredded coconut 1 Split vanilla bean lengthways; scrape out seeds. Stir cream, milk and vanilla bean and seeds in a medium saucepan over medium heat until almost boiling. Whisk sugar and egg yolks in a medium heatproof bowl for 3 minutes or until pale. Whisking continuously, gradually add the hot cream mixture to the egg yolk mixture until…

Goodness times four Give your diet a healthy boost with The Australian Women’s Weekly Little Box of Super Foods, a clever collection of four cookbooks, each highlighting a key ingredient – quinoa, kale, seeds and vegan products – that all pack a powerful nutritional punch. Bauer Books, RRP $35. Home-made takeaway New online food ordering system Food By Us connects you to makers of delicious home-made food, from dinners to cakes, in your area. Perfect as a gift for a friend in need or new mum. Available in Sydney and Melbourne. Visit foodbyus.com.au. Oregano-gate An ACCC investigation has revealed major herb suppliers have been bulking out oregano with cheap fillers, such as olive and sumac leaves. Tests found widespread adulteration in the Australian market, with one product containing less than…

Gardening is fun, especially for children. Here are my school holiday temptations to lure your kids away from their screens and into the garden. Grow an elephant in the backyard (start small!) Topiary is the art of shaping bushes into neat or fascinating shapes. Sometimes it takes years, but if you use a fast-growing bush you’ll have an elephant … or horse ... or dinosaur … or elegant triangle … within six months. Props needed: A fast-growing shrub like a small potted photinia or dwarf lillypilly. A favourite topiary shape. Hunt out a supplier online. There will be hundreds of shapes to choose from. Method: Plant the shrub in the ground or a large pot. Fit the shape over it. Every time a leaf or twig pokes out beyond the…

The assassination of President Kennedy has been documented from every angle, but a new movie directed by Pablo Larraín, (opening on January 12), breaks new ground. This is a poignant study of Jackie Kennedy and how she coped in the seven days after the tragedy, when her husband was shot, sitting right next to her, his brain splattered across her dress. Natalie Portman is extraordinary as Jackie and tipped for Oscar glory, and in these exclusive photos from the set we give you a sneak peek of what to expect.…

NIGHT SCHOOL by Lee Child, Penguin. I love every incarnation of Jack Reacher but this one is a real beaut. He’s back in 1995, in his prime, and on an urgent manhunt in a tale of pre-internet espionage. Reacher is a Major in the Military Police, rebellious and clever; he breaks rules and not only gets away with it, gets a chest full of medals. He’s at his best when he’s fighting at least four opponents, or taking the law into his own hands because he can – it may be morally shady but it’s right. He does plenty of both in Night School. The way he sorts out one villain made me want to fist bump someone, or do something equally American, manly, and celebratory. And because it wouldn’t…

“ You’re buying something you cannot see, walk through, touch or feel. ” Buying an apartment off the plan – before construction is finished and sometimes before it’s even started – is a leap of faith at the best of times. You’re buying something you cannot see, walk through, touch or feel. And often you’re not paying a fair price. Now with a glut of new apartments in the pipeline in many of Australia’s major cities, those buying off the plan are in real danger of paying more than the property will be worth when it’s finished. And if this happens, buyers who need mortgage loans to complete their purchases will find the banks very reluctant to advance the amounts they need. Indeed the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has…

In the saddle For a ride of a lifetime, saddle up at Bogong Horseback Adventures in Tawonga, Victoria, for a Spring Spur stay and ride weekend package, from $485 per person. It includes two nights’ accommodation, a half-day ride in the mountains and great country-style cuisine. Visit bogonghorse.com.au. Head for the heights Put on your walking shoes – Port Stephens in NSW has new routes to the Tomaree Head summit, all boasting great views. Offered throughout the day, guided walks can include a summit-tasting plate with fresh local produce, if desired. From $20 per adult, $16 per child and $65 per family, tasting plate extra. The walks are run by Escape Trekking Adventures, which also runs Kokoda Track and Mt Kilimanjaro adventures. Visit portstephens.org.au. Don’t miss FANTASTIC BEASTS Safari anyone?…

Capricorn Dec 22-Jan 20 Your reputation, profile or title is an important issue in January and you must find ways to control what is taking place. Give yourself plenty of time, as there will be alterations or a waiting game until at least January 28, after which a major decision can be made. Take a long look at your internet use on your phone and computer, and see how you can make your security watertight. Sticking to common-sense rules about the web is also smart now. What you do in January helps you in March. Aquarius Jan 21-Feb 19 Your credit card, home, a business agreement or shopping could easily become muddled now. The solution rests with good old-fashioned organisation, so put one matter into your Harry Potter sorting hat.…