The Australian Women's Weekly Feburary 2016

A TREND RECENTLY EMERGED where people all over the world have started to live with fewer possessions in the search for a simpler life. Dozens of blogs and books are dedicated to minimalism, which is a lot like spring-cleaning or decluttering, just more permanent. Proponents of living minimally say, “Don’t declutter, de-own”. They advocate living with as few as 100 items, support a “capsule wardrobe”, experiment with living in very small homes and take recycling very seriously. The basic theory? Fewer possessions give people more money and time to spend on something more worthwhile. Even though materialism and magazines are not exactly incompatible, I have some sympathy for the minimalists. I bet many of you returned from holidays with a SodaStream or salad bowl and wondered where to put it.…

PEARL OF WISDOM Friendship and romance is like a long-stemmed rose. The stem is the friendship; the blossom is the romance. JOANNE RINKEVICH , SEAFORD, VIC. The winner of our Pearl of Wisdom this month wins a 12-month subscription to The Australian Women's Weekly, valued at $83.40. Bravo for Bindi As the mother of a five-year-old girl, I often despair about the lack of positive role models for my daughter. In a world of Hollywood clones, Bindi Irwin is a blessing. She’s real, brave, talented, loving, passionate, kind, lovely and strong. She’s the epitome of everything a mum would be proud of in a daughter. Thank you, Bindi, for everything you do for our planet and upcoming generations. VANESSA JENSEN, MAROUBRA, NSW. Jess is gorgeous How beautiful is…

I was in tears after reading about Bindi Irwin (Bindi Grows Up, WW, Jan) because I can relate to grieving the death of your father. In 2003, my dad died of a heart attack and two months later my son was born. I had this absolute fear of losing my family, especially when pregnant with my daughter in 2005. The fear of losing my elderly mum at this time was so strong I developed severe anxiety. The day Steve Irwin died, I was shocked but I realised we can all die at any time, at any age, and that our life is a precious gift we need to be grateful for. That began my journey to recovery and my reason for telling those closest how much I love them every…

You came to us for NEWS The terrible tragedy of Damien Little, who shot his two young sons and then himself before the car they were travelling in plunged off a Port Lincoln wharf, touched you deeply, reaching 275,000 people and attracting more than 3000 impassioned comments. Those poor kids. Parents are supposed to love, protect and nurture their kids. I’ll never understand these actions taken by men and women on their own flesh and blood. Those that remain are left a lifetime of punishment. Little kids should be left out of mental illness. Full stop. POSTED BY STEPHANIE DILEO Maybe if his wife can say she loved her husband, then maybe all the keyboard warriors should respect her stance. She has an horrendous road ahead and we should support…

GOLDEN GLOBES Although she was pipped at the post as Best Actress for her role in Carol , Cate Blanchett won the fashion stakes in her intricate, fringed 1920s-inspired Givenchy gown – one of many splendid outfits that caught the eye on the night. It wasn’t the year for Australians, though – Ben Mendelsohn also missed out on a Globe for Best Supporting Actor in the thriller Bloodline .…

BRYCE CORBETT Keli Lane has fascinated the country since she went to jail in 2010 for the murder of her newborn daughter. Executive Editor Bryce Corbett has been closely following the story for the past five years. His report on new developments in the case is part one of a two-part special which will conclude next month when Keli’s parents finally break their silence. See page 26. SUSAN HORSBURGH Last month, The Weekly’s Senior Writer brought you a rare glimpse of the real Bindi Irwin in our January cover story. In this month’s issue, the Melbourne mum-of-three turns her attention to something closer to home with a report on how schools are failing working mums. See page 70. REBECCA RAC Our Style Editor Rebecca approaches all her photo shoots with…