Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2015 i The Australian Women's Weekly

SITTING AT LUNCH last month, a friend confessed that someone close to him had a tumour that was so big it may have spread well beyond her ovaries. He is an exceptionally busy man, but naturally, everything was automatically less significant. Almost every reader will recognise that sentiment. Last year, at precisely the same time, another friend called Annie told the world that she too had become one of the statistics. She was one of the women diagnosed every 10 hours with ovarian cancer. Annie had even worked with us on previous awareness campaigns and, as she wryly observed, should have known the signs better than most. Yet that is the thing about ovarian cancer – there is no equivalent to the Pap smear as an early detection test and…

Will Studd has fought to lift heavy restrictions on the production and sale of unpasteurised cheese in Australia. In February, his wish came true when amendments were passed allowing a wider range of these cheeses to be made. “When you make cheese from raw milk, you get the bacteria that would be destroyed by pasteurisation,” says Will, who presents the TV show Cheese Slices. Yet strict standards are still in place, so these cheeses will likely remain an expensive niche product. Unpasteurised cheese is safer than raw milk, which is not permitted for human consumption in Australia and particularly poses risks for pregnant women, young children and the elderly. Pregnant women should not eat soft cheeses because of the risk of listeria.…

An amazing make-up look is best achieved with the skincare prep you put in prior to application. Follow this four-step skincare system to create the perfect canvas. Step 1: Create a smooth surface For skin to absorb moisture optimally, it must be clean and debris free. Enter exfoliation: the process of removing dead skin cells and environmental pollution from the skin’s surface. Hydraluron Facial Powdered Exfoliator is a water-activated enzyme micropowder that gently buffs away dead skin cells and other congesting particles that hinder hydration, giving you a smooth, radiant make-up result. Packed with key natural ingredients like bamboo extract and rice-bran powder, this gentle foam delivers superior skin resurfacing without harsh abrasives. Simply add a little water to two small shakes of powder, and massage over face and throat,…

The Body Shop Pomegranate Softening Facial Wash, 100ml, $26.95. Remove impurities and give the skin a healthy glow with this divine super-fruit wash. Avon Anew Vitale Night Cream, 50g, $40. This cream works wonders after sunset to renew and energise dull, tired skin. Max Factor Colour Intensifying Balm in Luscious Red, $17.95. Lock in the skin’s natural moisture and add a splash of colour with this beautiful smooth balm. Essie Limited Edition Winter collection in Back In The Limo (right) and Bump Up The Pumps (far right), $16.95 each. Brighten your look with these dreamy pastels. Imperial Leather Indulgence Rich Moisturising Body Wash in Beautiful, 250ml, $5.49. Enriched with argan oil, this body wash will leave skin smooth and silky. Napoleon Perdis Metallic Multi-Purpose Illuminator, $32. A gorgeous cream gel…

Baby wipes alert Dermatologists are warning of an epidemic of allergic dermatitis and chemical burns caused by a preservative in baby wipes, skincare products and shampoos. The chemical, isothiazolinone, appeared in some cosmetic and personal care products from 2005 and is now an ingredient in up to 50 per cent of baby wipes. Read the product label carefully. Q I have to go into hospital soon for a hip replacement and wondered what advice you may have as to what I need to take with me? I am 55 and do not have any relatives nearby. This is my first time in hospital and I have to travel interstate. J.B., NSW. The packing list can be extensive, but you need to think of anything you might need for your time…

Chicken cacciatore SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 50 MINUTES 4 (600g) chicken drumsticks 4 (800g) chicken thigh cutlets ¼ cup (35g) plain flour 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 large (200g) brown onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 2 celery sticks, cut into 2cm pieces 2 medium (240g) carrots, halved lengthways, cut into 2cm pieces 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves ½ cup (125ml) red wine 800g can crushed tomatoes 1 cup (220g) risoni pasta 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves 1 baby cos lettuce 2 medium (300g) tomatoes, cut into wedges ¼ cup (40g) black olives 50g fetta, to serve 1 Toss the chicken pieces in flour and shake off any excess. Heat the oil in a large wide saucepan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot,…

Frankfurt, the sausage dog PREP TIME 1 HOUR EQUIPMENT 30cm x 45cm rectangular cake board wooden toothpicks wooden skewers CAKE 3 x chocolate rollettes (mini chocolate sponge rolls) 1 x 400g packet chocolate sponge roll 1 x 125g double chocolate-chip muffin 1 x 453g tub chocolate frosting DECORATIONS 1 x 5cm piece smooth licorice 2 red sour straps 1 white marshmallow 1 black jelly bean 6 white Tic Tacs 2 chocolate Monte biscuits 1 jelly sweetheart 1 yellow bootlace 2/3 cup brown mini M&M’s (for dog “kibble”) small bowl (for dog “kibble”) 1 Cut 2 rollettes in half. Using picture as a guide, position large sponge roll (body) on top of halved rollettes (legs) on cake board, securing with a little frosting and toothpicks, if needed. 2 Position muffin on…

PRIZE HINT To grease the pan when making pikelets or pancakes, use butter for the first greasing, then stick a fork in a halved potato and run the flat side round the hot pan as needed. Much less mess and bother. N. Coleman, Nerang, Qld. Tissue box trick When you have a runny cold, use large rubber bands to attach an empty tissue box side-by-side to the full one – now you have a place to neatly dispose of your constant supply of used tissues. Ribbon storage Store rolls of ribbon in empty CD or DVD containers – the spindle holds multiple spools and the transparent case makes them easy to see. Sheet success When laundering flannelette sheets the first couple of times, add half a cup of vinegar to…

FROST-FREE AREAS Food plants: Fruit trees (don’t forget bush tucker plants such as Burdekin or Davidson’s plum or finger limes), fruiting vines, strawberry plants; seeds of amaranth, artichoke, asparagus, basil, carrot, celery, many kinds of chilli including bell peppers for roasting or stuffing, choko, corn, eggplant, gourd, kale, leek, tropical lettuce, melons of many kinds, okra, onion, parsnip, parsley, peas, pumpkin, radish, salsify, shallot, silver beet, tomato, and zucchini. Ornamentals: trees, shrubs, ferns, seeds or seedlings of alyssum, Californian poppy, calendula, cleome, coleus, gerbera, helichrysum, honesty, impatiens, kangaroo paw, marigold, petunia, phlox, salvia, sunflower, Swan River daisy, torenia and zinnia. FROSTY GARDENS: Food plants: Fruit trees, grape vines, passionfruit, kiwi fruit, rhubarb crowns, artichoke suckers, potatoes, seeds or seedlings of asparagus, broad beans, peas, onion, mitsuba, mizuna, rocket and spinach.…

EVERYBODY NEEDS A bank account, specifically a transaction account. Your salary is paid into it and you pay bills and withdraw cash from it. The catch is most accounts pay zero interest, so it helps to also have a savings account which pays some interest. But with today’s historic low rates, you have to shop around to find a relatively high interest account that suits you. Saving accounts serve two purposes. You can park your money in them, switching funds back to your transaction account only as needed. And you can build savings for whatever purpose you need or as a buffer against harder times. You may be saving to build a home deposit or to start investing within a relatively short two-to-three year period. Retirees usually prefer to keep…

1. First Response. Let us tell you first. All pregnancy tests are not the same. First Response™ can detect small amounts of the pregnancy hormone, so you can know sooner. Available from supermarkets, pharmacies and selected stores nationally. www.firstresponsepregnancy.com.au Always read the label. Use only as directed. 2. Pine O Cleen Make your kitchen sparkle with the latest creation from Pine O Cleen: The Kitchen Expert with Pomegranate Blossom. Its Total Shine System gives you ultimate grease-cutting for a brilliant shine. Stockists: Available at all leading supermarkets RRP: $4.99 URL: www.pineocleen.com.au 3. Green’s biscuits brand Chunkies and Drizzles New Green’s biscuits make every moment special. There’s nothing like taking a moment for yourself with a cuppa and a biscuit. And now with Green’s new biscuits range, that moment just got…

STATION ELEVEN BY EMILY ST JOHN MANDEL, PICADOR. How beautiful is electric light? How lucky are we to have smartphones, medicine, law and order, and air travel? By the end of Station Eleven you’ll be brimming with gratitude for all the perks of civilisation we take for granted. It has to be the most achingly hopeful post-apocalypse novel ever written. Kirsten Raymonde is a young Shakespearian actress, part of a troupe of travelling players with the motto “because survival is insufficient”. The novel moves inventively between her and the other characters’ pre- and post-flu pandemic lives, brilliantly illuminating the difference between what we think is important and what really is. Imagine if we lived in a world in which life was fragile, random and irrational? Well, maybe we do. The…

FUN SPACES KIDS 5 - 8 YEARS Create a fun-filled sleeping space for your little ones with Harvey Norman's Bedroom Furniture. BED BAZAAR TWEENS 2 - 9 YEARS Make a room where kids can get inspired. Get creative with Harvey Norman's Bedroom Furniture. RAD ROOMS TEENS 13 - 18 YEARS As your child grows so should their room. Add some style and sophistication to your teens room with Harvey Norman. FOR MORE INFO, VISIT WWW.HN.COM.AU OR CALL 1300 464 278 (1300 GO HARVEY) Prices can vary between states due to additional freight costs. See in store for full range. Harvey Norman® stores are operated by independent franchisees. Ends 30/09/15. *1 Single sheet sets consist of 1x fitted sheet, 1x flat sheet and 1x standard pillowcase. Double sheet sets consist of…

Wearing sleek separates and ankle boots to work? Stylish frames with metallic finishes will add sophistication to corporate pieces. Pairing your favourite heels with a chic white dress on Saturday night? Complement your look with metallic frames featuring a touch of sparkle from the Alex Perry collection at Specsavers. Dedicated to luxury and glamour, Alex Perry has redefined style and elegance in eyewear and with two pairs of designer glasses from $199 complete with single vision lenses, you’ll always be in style at Specsavers. Prices complete with standard lenses with scratch resistant coating. Second pair must be from same price range of frames and lens range or below. Must be same prescription. Extra options not included. Prices correct at time of print. Frames available while stocks last. “I’m working with…

Block party The trick to colour blocking is to pick simple shapes – classic shifts, pencil skirts and well-tailored jackets – and stick to shades that are the direct opposites on the colour wheel. Clash bright orange and cobalt blue, pink and yellow, and, in winter, pastels with black to create a dramatic effect. pyjamas Dreamy Give up that baggy T-shirt and sweatpants, and spoil yourself with some chic sleepwear. Go for a loose fit and a soft and dreamy texture – think silk, rich cotton or flannelette – and, most importantly, a breathable fabric for a healthy night’s sleep. Editor’s pick Navy is the new black and everyone looks good in this sophisticated shade. This cap-sleeved dress from Love Your Wardrobe is great value and worn with opaque tights…

WITH COOLER temperatures and biting winds, the skin is exposed to the elements in winter. For most of us, this can often result in itchy, red and dry skin – and even flare-ups of skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. “Cold weather means there is less moisture in the air outside, which can cause the skin to dehydrate,” says Michael Wu, Director of Nature’s Care Australia. “Moving from air-conditioning inside to cold weather outside can affect the natural moisture levels in the skin, which can become dry and chapped,” he explains. Yet, with a few simple additions to your skincare program, you can maintain silky smooth skin. Soothing sprays If you don’t like applying a heavier occlusive moisturiser in the colder weather, a moisturising spray is a great option.…

1 What are the accreditation procedures for the hospital or clinic where I am planning to have treatment? 2 What are the qualifications of the surgeon and anaesthetist? Where did they study medicine and where did they train as specialists? 3 How much experience does this surgeon or dentist have in doing this specific procedure? 4 Will the surgeon you expect to do the procedure guarantee to do it and not substitute another surgeon? 5 Does the hospital or the surgeon publish their results? Ignore testimonials. They may not be genuine and may not reflect the true picture. 6 Does the hospital or clinic have intensive care resources and specialised staff to deal with any possible complications? 7 Could I access this procedure in Australia for a comparable cost? If…

PONDER THIS Sufferers of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) may benefit from meditation. A US study by the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center looked at meditation’s effects on 19 IBS and 29 IBD patients. Improvements in symptoms, general anxiety and quality of life were noted. 4 IS THE NUMBER OF CUPS OF COFFEE DEEMED SAFE FOR DAILY CONSUMPTION BY A HEALTHY ADULT, according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Up to 400mg of caffeine a day from various sources doesn’t impact on your health, but pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should not exceed 200mg. VACCINE DECREASES CERVICAL CANCER RISK Women are less likely to be diagnosed with high-grade cervical abnormalities if they were…

Zucchini “spaghetti” with tomato and fetta SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 55 MINUTES 500g cherry truss tomatoes ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil ¼ cup fresh oregano leaves 200g piece fetta, sliced into 4 lengthways ¼ teaspoon dried chilli flakes 5 small (450g) zucchini 3 cloves garlic, sliced thinly 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon rind ¼ cup (60ml) lemon juice 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh oregano, extra 1 cup small fresh basil leaves 2 tablespoons coarsely grated parmesan 1 Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). Line two oven trays with baking paper. 2 Place the tomatoes on one tray; drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the oil. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of the oregano leaves; season. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and blistered. 3…

Baked quince with chocolate mousse SERVES 6 PREP AND COOK TIME 3 HOURS 30 MINUTES (+ REFRIGERATION TIME) 3 medium (1kg) quinces 1 cup (250ml) water 40g butter, chopped ¼ cup (55g) white sugar 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger CHOCOLATE MOUSSE 200g dark chocolate 30g butter, softened 3 eggs, separated 300ml thickened cream, whipped softly 1 Preheat the oven to 170°C (150°C fan-forced); line a shallow baking dish with baking paper. 2 Peel and core the quinces; cut into 2cm chunks. Put the quince pieces into the dish with the water, butter, sugar and ginger. Cover with foil and bake for 3 hours or until the quince is ruby red and soft. Transfer the quince and syrup to a serving dish. Cool, then refrigerate until ready to serve. 3 CHOCOLATE…

MRS MONEYPENNY is Heather McGregor, a businesswoman who has been a columnist in UK’s Financial Times for over 15 years. She is the author of several books, including Careers Advice For Ambitious Women (Penguin). You can follow her on Twitter (@mrsmoneypennyft), or send her an email at mrsmoneypenny@ft.com. ONE OF MY bosses retired last week, and I made a video clip for her leaving party. As regular readers know, I run my own business, so how come I have a boss? Truth be told, I have several bosses, as I have several other jobs that I do in my spare time. I am the non-executive director of a public company, so my boss there is the chairman, I write columns for a newspaper and two magazines and my bosses there…

1 Shop around for an account that suits 2 you and pays a good rate. Consider having two savings accounts, one a quasi-transaction account and the other for longer-term savings. 3 Couples should consider saving most of their money in the name of the lower tax payer. 4 If your account penalises you for breaking the rules, then make sure you don’t. 5 Don’t deposit more than $250,000 in any one bank as this is the limit of the government guarantee. 6 With term deposits, make sure you decide in time what you want to happen to your money at maturity.…

CIRCLING THE SUN BY PAULA MCLAIN, HACHETTE. THERE’S A TOUCH of Out Of Africa about Circling The Sun and not just because we’re in the heady world of wide African savannahs, dangerous romances and life in the wild, but also because Karen Blixen plays a supporting role in this novel. Historical fiction author Paula McLain has a knack for getting under the skin of her characters and engulfing the reader on a glorious journey of discovery. In her last novel, The Paris Wife, we were with Ernest Hemingway and his wife Hadley Richardson; here it is Beryl Markham, the feisty, daring aviator raised in 1920s Kenya. The author was smitten with Markham after reading her autobiography West With The Night. “She truly was one of the most daring and singular…

Leo Jul 24-Aug 23 Your bank account will grow substantially from this point forward, or you will save money through free access to a home, car, or other resources which save you thousands. This is the best cycle in more than a decade for property and investment gains, prizes, bonuses, pay increases and huge deals. Do not think small, as Jupiter is the planet of abundance and he is now on your side. Exchange rates, tax windfalls, settlements or large gifts could also reach you, with news arriving by September. Virgo Aug 24-Sep 23 Jupiter enters Virgo, your own sign, for the first time in over a decade this month. This is fantastic news, as a gorgeous new look will be in place within weeks, following successful weight loss, cosmetic…

KAREN MIDDLETON Karen Middleton is a freelance journalist who has covered national and international affairs in Australia and overseas for more than 25 years, spending the past decade as Chief Political Correspondent for SBS TV. This month, she examines why some Australians say they can’t support legalising same-sex marriage. “I think to properly debate important issues, we need to hear all the arguments calmly and clearly,” she says. Read her report on page 55. SUSAN HORSBURGH This month, The Weekly’s Melbourne-based Senior Writer Susan Horsburgh took on the task of interviewing Tara Brown – TV’s toughest interrogator. While reflecting on her remarkable year in the interviewer’s hot seat, Tara told Susan about her father, whom she hasn’t spoken to for 40 years. “She’s one of our most accomplished TV journalists,…

MORE THAN 2.3 MILLION Australians are trying to lose weight by dieting. For most, this means banishing or restricting “bad foods” such as chocolate, cheese and pasta. Some will starve themselves of carbohydrates, follow fad diets or eliminate certain foods such as gluten, sugar or dairy. Others will turn to kilojoule-controlled plans from weight-loss giants or exist on meal replacement bars, shakes and other diet products. The sad and undeniable truth is, within a few years, most will have regained any weight they lost – and put on a few extra kilos, to boot. We’re talking about $1 million a day spent on fad diets going up in smoke in a miserable exercise of self-deprivation ultimately destined to fail. Despite this, most will then repeat the dieting cycle over and…

THERE’S DIVISION IN my marriage. A problem that raises its head at exactly the same time every year. My husband and I spend our nights tossing and turning, both wanting different things in bed. It wasn’t an issue during the honeymoon period. I don’t want to go into too many personal details, but like most new relationships our bed was, ah-hem, quite hot for the first eight months or so. Once our initial passion was spent and we found ourselves pushing out zzzzzz more often than xxxxxx, a chill set in and I wanted to fix it. There was no delicate way to broach it. “How can you be so cold?” he asked, shaking his head. He was icy, but so was I. Explaining that it was important in a…

SKINNY Although you may not think it, skinny jeans suit all body types. They have a real versatility about them. Go for a mid- to high-rise waist because it will help to eliminate the dreaded “muffin top”. SUPER SKINNY JEANS Jeanswest cotton polyester elastane jeans, 6-20, $79.99, jeanswest.com.au.Witchery polyester blouse, 6-16, $99.95, witchery.com.au. Boden suede strappy T-bar flats, 36-42, $108, bodenclothing.com.au. ANKLE GRAZER SKINNY JEANS Zara cotton polyester viscose elastane jeans, 34-42, $69.95, (02) 9376 7600. Country Road polyester and elastane asymmetric top, XXS-XXL, $129, countryroad.com.au. Witchery leather heels, 35-41, $179.95, witchery.com.au. SHAPING SKINNY DENIM JEANS Levi’s cotton 312 Shaping Slim jeans, 24-34, $119.95, levis.com. au. Witchery viscose top, 4-16, $129.95, witchery.com.au. Wittner leather heels, $169.95, 35-42, wittner.com.au. Skinny Jeans BEST OF THE REST FLARES Flares balance out…

WHEN WHITNEY Houston sang about children being our future, I’m pretty sure she was referring to fashion. From our teenage years, we are bullied into the latest trends by designers, luxury brands and advertisers, making us too scared to go shopping. Wasted hours are spent in front of mirrors wondering if that gold-buttoned navy blazer is too daggy, whether those high-waisted jeans draw unwanted attention to a winter stomach or if that origami-style skirt is meant for someone much younger. Dressing stylishly can seem unattainable, unaffordable and as enjoyable as dental surgery, so it’s time to take Whitney’s advice and look down, not at those ridiculously high heels cutting off circulation to the little pigs that went to market, but to children. When was the last time you saw a…

SUPER SERUMS Serums have long been a favourite in my daily skincare regimen. They replenish and repair the skin, boosting elasticity and fighting free-radical damage. Here are some fabulous new ones for you to try: 1. Sukin Super Greens Facial Recovery Serum, 30ml, $17.95. 2. Avène Hydrance Serum, 30ml, $59.95. 3. Clinique Turnaround Revitalizing Serum, 30ml, $62. 4. Antipodes Worship Superfruit Antioxidant Serum, 30ml, $54.50. 5. StriVectin-AR Advanced Retinol Concentrated Serum, 30ml, $135. 6. Nu’trir Collagen Boosting Peptide Serum, 15ml, $34.95. We’re loving: L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Collection Exclusive Reds, $21.95 each. With these six stunning shades, finding the ideal matt red lipstick has never been easier. Each colour has been designed to complement the skin tones of L’Oréal Paris’ celebrity ambassadors. 5 minutes WITH NATALIE IMBRUGLIA The singer, actress…

Vaginal itching and irritation. It’s something most women don’t talk about but many experience. And now we’re talking about it, let’s do something about it. Vagisil Feminine Itching Cream Medication relieves itching, burning and irritation in the intimate area quickly and discreetly. The anaesthetic in the formula works fast to help relieve the itching, cool the burning and soothe irritation. By targeting the symptoms, Vagisil relieves awkward itching and irritation that can slow you down, so now you can get back to the important things. When the urge to itch strikes, reach for Vagisil Feminine Itching Cream Medication for fast, easy and gentle relief — no matter where you are. A quick fix for a common problem DID YOU KNOW... there are over 60+ reasons you may feel intimate itch?…

Arancini MAKES 50 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR 40 MINUTES (+ COOLING TIME) 3 cups (750ml) chicken stock 1½ cups (375ml) water 60g butter 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 250g small button mushrooms, sliced thinly 1 medium (150g) brown onion, chopped finely 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1½ cups (300g) arborio rice ½ cup (40g) finely grated parmesan cheese 250g bocconcini, cut into 1cm pieces ½ cup (75g) plain flour 3 eggs, beaten lightly 2½ cups (150g) panko breadcrumbs, approximately 1.5 litres vegetable or olive oil, to deep-fry lemon wedges and sea salt flakes, to serve 1 Place the stock and water in a medium saucepan; bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low and cover. Meanwhile, heat half the butter and the oil in…

French apple tart SERVES 8 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR 15 MINUTES (+ PASTRY THAWING TIME) 375g packet sour cream shortcrust pastry, thawed following pack directions (or 2 sheets frozen butter puff pastry, just thawed) 1/3 cup (40g) ground almonds (almond meal) ½ cup (110g) caster sugar 6 (800g) Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, halved 1 Preheat oven to 220°C (200°C fan-forced). Generously grease a large pizza tray. 2 Unroll thawed pastry and place on a sheet of baking paper. If using shortcrust pastry, remove one-third of the pastry sheet and join it to the top of the pastry. If using puff pastry sheets, cut the second sheet in half and press together on two sides to form a larger square. On a lightly floured surface, roll lightly to…

• Take a picnic, blanket and thermos out to follow the ancient Japanese family mediation of “blossom watching” – seeing the delicate unfolding of spring blossom on a sunny spring day. • Breathe deep the heady scent of freshly mown grass. • Pick the first asparagus and discover why asparagus used to be the food of Queens and Kings before we became used to cold-storage supermarket asparagus. If asparagus tips bend instead of break then they are way past their prime. • If you don’t have asparagus to pick, cultivate an asparagus grower or plan your own asparagus patch. • Every home needs one spring blossom tree, even if it’s a potted miniature on a patio. Head to the garden centre to see what looks most glorious in your climate…

Q: What are you saving for at the moment? "My husband and I recently had our first child, so we are saving for a bigger house. We are fast outgrowing our current home." Q: How has your savings behaviour changed since starting a family? "Since becoming a mum, I find that I am more effi cient with my money in general – saving and spending. I now appreciate how important it is to spend wisely on things we really need and keep some money aside. You need to maintain a balance in your life and still enjoy little luxuries like holidays. That's why it's important to me to have a good, healthy savings account." Q: Why did you choose to put your savings in an online bank instead of your…

THE WOLF BORDER BY SARAH HALL, FABER & FABER. Rachel Caine is living on remote Idaho reservation, studying and tracking native wolves, when an English peer approaches her out of the blue with an intriguing job offer. He wants to breed up his own pack of wolves, a species extinct for centuries in Britain, and release them onto his estates in her native Cumbria, near the Scottish border. Though mistrustful of his motives, and nervous about reconnecting with the family she left behind (an estranged brother, difficult mother now in a nursing home) Rachel returns home, pregnant, to start “re-wilding”. Books about the natural world are on a roll at the moment – Helen Macdonald’s stunning H is for Hawk, for instance. Sarah Hall is one of the best, melding…

IT’S AUGUST AND, once again, it’s Leo the lion’s turn to head up the Zodiac parade. Following behind is big-spending Sagittarius, wafty Libra, muddle-headed Gemini, tetchy Scorpio, difficult Cancer, finicky Virgo, pushy Taurus, vague Aries, mushy Aquarius, stuffy Capricorn and, of course, Pisces. Who could forget Pisces? I might let that thought hang in the air for a while. No, that’s simply not true. I know many, many Pisceans who are absolutely unforgettable. I just can’t remember their telephone numbers. It’s pretty clear, however, that Leo is the horoscope sign every other sign really wants to be. Please don’t think for a minute I’m saying this because – ahem – my birthday is in August. I say it simply because it’s true. That’s the remarkable thing about being a Leo.…