Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2016 i The Australian Women's Weekly

Everyone loves a love story, right? Well, stick with me because this one is more special than most. It’s about a beautiful friend of mine, Gillian. I’ve known her since she was a kind, thoughtful, slightly dreamy seven-year-old who had a knack for losing her shoes. A long time ago, I was her nanny. The story starts predictably enough: teen girl meets boy hanging out in carpark, they become friends and, a few years later, become a couple and eventually marry. So far, so lovely, if unremarkable. Three years after their wedding, her husband told her he was a woman in a male body. With Gillian’s support, they told friends and family in rapid succession that he was going to transition to being a woman called Emily. It wasn’t easy,…

It’s the romantic bond between Mary and Frederik that make this royal couple so magical. In Denmark, it’s called a copper anniversary and is the first of the three wedding landmarks that the nation holds dear. Gold is 50 years, silver is 25 years, so copper is – of course –12½ years. The tradition dates back to the 1800s and while it may sound strange to throw a party for such a strange number, the Danes adore this celebration, which involves not just the couple, but family, friends and neighbours. So here at The Weekly, we are popping corks for Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary, who celebrate their copper anniversary on November 14. If the couple follows tradition, friends and family will erect a beautiful garland of winding…

Jodi Picoult is beside herself with excitement. She actually squeals as she announces that her eldest son, Kyle, is about to tie the knot. The wedding will be in October, in New Hampshire, not far from the family home. “It will be in a grand, old, historic hotel at the peak of fall colours, so it will be a beautiful wedding.” She barely stops to breathe, her words cascading in one long stream. “He is marrying Kevin, a young man who he has been dating for seven years and I am so happy because the whole family loves Kevin. We’ve all said that, if Kyle wasn’t going to marry Kevin, someone else would have to, just so we could keep him in the family. They’re a terrific couple – they…

In the early hours of November 24, 2002, as copies of Sydney’s The Sun-Herald rolled off the presses in Chullora, western Sydney, it seemed there were scoops and coups all round. Journalist Annette Sharp had her story: James Packer, heir to Australia’s biggest fortune, had been recruited into Scientology. And the controversial religious movement had its man. Or had it? According to a new book, the Church of Scientology was plotting to use the media heir to lure an even bigger prize – Lachlan Murdoch, son of Rupert, the billionaire media baron and Scientology’s Enemy Number 1. In an astonishing admission, Marty Rathbun, a former high-ranking executive in the Church who oversaw the recruitment of James, says the in-depth operation was merely the first step in a grander plan to…

“Life can be a battle. You’re always stared at, you get sick of that.”Jasmin Taylor-Scott It was the tensest of stand-offs. On one side stood a man terrorising a family with a loaded crossbow. On the other was Senior Constable Bernice Canty, her hand hovering over her semi-automatic pistol, ordering him to lay down his deadly weapon. Suddenly, the man peered at the officer more closely. “So,” he said finally, “are you a man or a woman?” It was all the lapse in concentration Bernice needed to safely disarm and arrest him. “That was the only time here anyone’s asked me that,” says Bernice, Victoria’s first openly transgender police officer, with a laugh. “But if it was going to be anyone, it might as well be someone I nearly shot!”…

Monochromatic Editor’s extras SMART ADDITIONS TO YOUR OUTFIT Flower bomb Editor’s extras SMART ADDITIONS TO YOUR OUTFIT STYLE TIP Feel the power of flowers with these gorgeous prints. From one-pieces to bikinis and accessories, the fresh, feminine look of blooms gives you an instant sense of summer. Bold & beautiful Editor’s extras SMART ADDITIONS TO YOUR OUTFIT STYLE TIP Make a statement with bright blocks of colour, teamed with patterns and ruching to complement your curves. Mix and match tops and bottoms for an individual look. Nautical Editor’s extras SMART ADDITIONS TO YOUR OUTFIT STYLE TIP Set sail in classic nautical blue and white with a vibrant splash of orange this season. Add flattering stripes to complete the look and head straight for the sun, sea and surf.…

New Women’s REGAINE® Foam is the first and only clinically proven foam to regrow hair for women†. With the active ingredient Minoxidil, Women’s REGAINE® Foam targets inactive hair follicles, encourages hair to grow and extends the period of growth for each hair, with clinically proven results in as little as 12 weeks. While it looks like a styling mousse, Women’s REGAINE® is actually a topical foam that reactivates resting hair follicles and helps regrow hair. Women’s REGAINE® Foam doesn’t interfere with styling and comes in an easy-to-use foam formula that will fit into your everyday haircare routine. It’s as simple as putting on your eye cream before bed! 1 Myth: Hair loss doesn’t affect women. Truth be told, hereditary hair loss affects women, too, and is a condition caused…

Manicare X We Are Handsome Flight Compact Mirror, $18.50. This designer compact mirror is the perfect addition to your handbag this Spring. Maybelline New York Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Colour in Nude Flush (above) and Berry Boost, $17.95 each. The smooth, creamy texture of these lip colours gives a luxurious matt finish that won’t dry out. Elizabeth Arden I Love Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Palette, $26. A gorgeous trio of nourishing berry, blush and plum shades with a convenient lip brush and mirror. Palm Beach Collection French Vanilla Scented Soy Candle, 375g, $42.95. Inspired by our coastal landscape, this beautiful candle has a seaside feel that will leave your home or office smelling pretty. Guerlain Abeille Royale Night Cream, 50ml, $250. Enriched with Moroccan honey, this lavish night cream…

Q My one-year-old daughter has one blue and one brown eye (heterochromia). I can’t find statistics on the incidence or prevalence of heterochromia. Do you know how rare heterochromia is? And are there any additional precautions or check-ups my daughter should take? J.H., SA. The statistic I’ve seen is about five to 10 per 1000. Most cases of heterochromia from birth are genetic. Your daughter should have been checked by a paediatrician for any associated congenital problems. Q I’m worried I’m losing my sense of smell. I’ve always loved cooking and fresh herbs, but noticed I could not smell which mint was more pungent at the market. And I can’t smell the flowers my husband buys me. Is this a cause for alarm? F.F., Tas. You need to see your…

BACK TO BASICS If you suffer chronic back pain, you’re not alone. One in six Australians shares your misery, according to a report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The woes include disc disorders, sciatica and curvature of the spine. Our advice? Avoid too much sitting – it puts more pressure on the spine than standing or walking – and exercise those core muscles. AGAINST THE GRAIN What are the real effects of the Paleo diet? An Australian-first study at Edith Cowan University involved 39 women, with half eating a Paleo diet while the rest ate the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating diet over four weeks. Of those who ate the Paleo diet, which avoids grains of any type, more than one in five reported diarrhoea. “Whole grains…

All about corn Corn starts converting its sugars to starch three days after it is harvested, although modern varieties keep slightly longer with the husk on. In either case, the sooner you eat the corn, the better. CHOOSE corn with the husk on, removing it only at the last possible moment. The husk should be pale green, with a yellow tinge. The silk, or beard, that sprouts from the top should be silky (hence its name), rather than dry. STORE in the refrigerator, with the husk on, for up to two days. Barbecued corn SERVES 6 PREP AND COOK TIME 20 MINUTES 6 (1.5kg) corn cobs, husks not removed 1 Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil. Add corn; cook for 6 minutes or until almost tender.…

THE BLACK WIDOW by Daniel Silva, HarperCollins. A charismatic ISIS leader calling himself Saladin has struck in the heart of Paris. The US is next. And only two people can stop him. One, of course, is Gabriel Allon. He’s an assassin and spy, and the next leader of the Israeli security service, Mossad. The other is a young emergency department doctor, Natalie Mizrahi, posing as a radicalised “black widow”. In this 16th Allon novel, Silva ramps up the urgency. It’s all too possible. In fact, Silva wrote the Paris attack portion of the book, linking it to Belgium’s Molenbeek district before the November 2015 strikes. As for his hero, Allon hasn’t lost any of his appeal. Now a father, he’s driven to protect the civilized world from tyranny. If you…

Eleven years ago, when Athina Onassis, heiress to one of the world’s great fortunes, married raffish Olympic riding star Alvaro “Doda” de Miranda Neto, the 750 guests witnessed not just a spectacular ceremony, but a rare moment of happiness in the troubled history of the Onassis dynasty. Dressed in whispering white silk by Valentino, her hair styled in the manner of the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, Athina seemed to have miraculously recaptured the tarnished glamour of her family name. With her handsome husband at her side and a bouzouki band strumming merrily, the bride led the wedding party into a traditional, hand-clapping dance. The music stopped abruptly earlier this year, when a security guard at one of the couple’s homes found Doda, 43, in bed with a young blonde.…

When you have more time for yourself, it’s easier to focus on your health, challenge yourself and reach your dreams (that half-marathon is in your sights!). That’s where convenient Weight Watchers new-look frozen meals come in. Made with wholesome ingredients including grains, fish and vegetables, they’ve also been approved by nutritionists and created with culinary experts so you know you’re fuelling your body with goodness. They tick the box for wellbeing, and as for the taste? In a word, wow! Find our new-look meal range now at your local Coles, Woolworths or independent grocery supermarket, or check out wowfrozenmeals.com.au…

“Having Bluebell changed everything” It’s 20 years since the Spice Girls gatecrashed their way from suburban obscurity to global domination with their first single, Wannabe, and on a gloomy summer’s day in north London, Geri Horner (née Halliwell) is recalling her favourite ever Girl Power moment. You might expect the woman formerly known as Ginger Spice to trot out the story of turning up to the Brits Awards in that Union Jack dress she made out of tea towels stuck on to a little Gucci number. Or when she patted (“not pinched, I never pinched him”) Prince Charles on the behind, or when the Spice Girls – Geri, along with Victoria Beckham (then Adams), Melanie Brown, Melanie Chisholm and Emma Bunton – were Nelson Mandela’s guests of honour at his…

“All he’s had to do is give in to his lazy side, forgo some personal grooming and he’s raised money for a good cause.” I can no longer remain silent about the unpleasant condition that affects my husband and many other Australian husbands/brothers/sons/uncles/ grandpas at this time every year. My husband says he’s doing “it” for charity, but as I keep reminding him, charity begins at home and he might find himself without one if he continues to participate in the month-long festival of moustache growing in November a.k.a. Movember. I’m delighted that since two blokes decided back in 2003 to honour the hirsute, globally, the Movember movement has raised over $685 million for men’s health. But I wish my husband had joined Rotary rather than retract the razor because…

LinenWith summer at our door, rely on linen to see you through the season. The stiff structure means the fabric sits away from your skin, keeping you cool. Try an oversized linen shirt over your swimsuit for the ultimate beach chic. Boden has a great range of linen styles. Label love: Crossroads It’s a new season and online retailer Crossroads has a new collection for you to love. It features floaty, feminine pieces in fresh neutrals and rich earthy tones for you to wear all summer long. COBALT Classic and elegant, cobalt blue is bold, but versatile enough to be paired with almost any other colour. You can introduce cobalt to your wardrobe with statement accessories or wear it head to toe. Fashion finds for shapely figures…

Bye, bye wrinkles! Banish the signs of ageing with these new products – and one of them does all the hard work while you sleep. 1. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturiser, 29ml, $39.99. With Retinol SA and hyaluronic acid, this moisturiser works to replenish and rejuvenate the skin, while smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. 2. Nip + Fab Viper Venom Wrinkle Fix, 40ml, $44.99. An anti-ageing serum which softens the appearance of imperfections to create a more even-looking complexion. Pretty perfumes Spring calls for a fresher, more feminine fragrance. Try one of these new designer scents: Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris Eau De Parfum, 50ml, $158. Givenchy Dahlia Divin Le Nectar De Parfum, 50ml $139. Calvin Klein Deep Euphoria Eau De Parfum, 100ml, $120. Nail the colour Add a…

About a year ago, Tracy Bevan’s 15-year-old daughter Amelia came to her after discovering a sizeable lump in one of her breasts. “I just thought, ‘Aaaagggh’”, admits Tracy, the former wife of Australian cricket star Michael Bevan, who had lost her best friend and fellow cricketing “WAG” Jane McGrath to breast cancer seven years previously. “I panicked a bit internally because I know from personal experience that breast cancer doesn’t discriminate by age.” Yet Tracy, who has devoted more than a decade to raising awareness of the disease, knew exactly what to do. “We went straight to the doctor and the doctor sent her for an MRI,” she says. “Fortunately, the lump turned out to be what’s called a breast ‘mouse’ [fibroadenoma] and it was completely fine.” Tracy and Amelia…

“Cycling is a very effective way to exercise and so there are obvious health and fitness benefits.” When was the last time you rode a bicycle? I still remember learning to ride when I was a child, and particularly that euphoric moment when the training wheels came off and the sense of achievement that I could actually stay upright. I never actually owned a bicycle as a child, and just recently I bought my first one and I have rediscovered how much fun it is to cycle. One Sunday recently, I joined a cycling tour of my home town, Sydney. Most of the ride was on dedicated cycle paths or recommended back streets and parks. I saw the city from a completely new perspective. There are the practical aspects of…

“The pickled trout can be served chilled or at room temperature.” Pickled ocean trout with crème fraîche SERVES 6 PREP AND COOK TIME 30 MINUTES (+ COOLING TIME) 600g piece skinless ocean trout fillet 1 teaspoon sesame oil 4 spring onions (green shallots), trimmed, sliced on the diagonal ¾ cup (180ml) apple cider vinegar ¼ cup (55g) caster sugar 4cm piece of ginger, peeled, julienned 2 long red chillies, de-seeded, julienned 1 stick lemongrass, trimmed, white part only, chopped finely 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns 300ml crème fraîche 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives micro herbs and crispbread, to serve 1 Cut fish into 1cm slices and arrange in a single layer in a large shallow ceramic dish. 2 Add the sesame oil and spring onions…

Funnel web slurpies MAKES 8 PREP AND COOK TIME 5 MINUTES 2 litres (8 cups) orange soft drink, chilled 8 scoops vanilla ice-cream novelty spiders, to decorate 1 Half-fill eight tall glasses with soft drink; add a scoop of ice-cream to each glass. 2 Decorate with spiders and serve immediately with a straw. Not suitable to freeze. Inside-out sushi MAKES 24 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR (+ REFRIGERATION TIME) 2 cups (400g) sushi rice 1/3 cup (80ml) sushi seasoning 3 sheets nori 1 large (180g) carrot, peeled, cut into long, thin matchsticks 1 large (400g) cucumber, seeds removed, cut into long, thin matchsticks 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 Cook rice according to packet instructions. Spread hot rice onto a tray; drizzle with sushi seasoning.…

“You can save money without affecting your lifestyle.” Would you – or one of your family – like to use your small change to kickstart an investment portfolio? With as little as $5, you can, using one of the new breed of financial advisers, called robo advisers, that you can access via devices such as computers, tablets and smartphones. One of these is an app called Acorns. Whenever you use your plastic to buy anything, even a coffee, it rounds up the transaction to the nearest dollar. Once your balance reaches $5 it starts to invest that money in a diversified portfolio chosen by you from five options managed by Acorns. These range from conservative to aggressive and comprise Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), which each invest in either Australian or…

GOODWOOD by Holly Throsby, Allen & Unwin. In Holly Throsby’s debut novel, Goodwood is the archetypal small town where everyone knows everyone and doors can be left unlocked. That is until two people disappear, bringing fear and suspicion to the community. Beautifully observed through the eyes of 17-year-old Jean Brown, the mysteries unfurl in a tender, compelling way, as Jean explores her confusion and fears about the events. A little bit Twin Peaks and a little bit Picnic At Hanging Rock, Goodwood is a terrific, thoroughly Australian novel. Throsby is already celebrated for her prowess as a musician and songwriter, and with this she proves she has yet another string to her extraordinary creative bow. MOUNT! By Jilly Cooper, Bantam Press. I’m a huge fan of vintage Jilly Cooper and…

“Lake Louise and Moraine Lake have that double wow factor with emerald-blue waters, incredible glaciers and dramatic peaks.” Towering snow-covered peaks, tumbling waterfalls, azure-coloured lakes and roaming wildlife leave a lasting impression of this park, located in the Rocky Mountains on Alberta’s western border. Canada’s first national park started as a 26 square kilometre hot springs reserve and is now 6641 square kilometres of unparalleled mountain scenery, where, regardless of the season, there is plenty to do as you soak up those incredible views. Summer brings white-water rafting at Kicking Horse River, great golf at the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course, rock climbing, hiking, cycling and water sports. In winter, it is all about snow activities, from sled-dog rides to snowboarding and downhill skiing. Soak in the steamy hot mineral…

1. Calvin Klein vibrant floral Deep Euphoria enters the Calvin Klein perfume portfolio as its first vibrant chypre floral. The fragrance opens with notes of cascalone and black magic rose, which intertwine to create an aura throughout the entire fragrance, imparting a sultriness wetness that enhances its signature sensuality. For stockists, please call 1800 812 663. 2. Innovative anti-ageing Philosophy has teamed up with leading research specialists to create its most innovative anti-ageing skincare collection to date. The Ultimate Miracle Worker range proves that your skin can get better with age! The range is available from David Jones, Mecca Maxima, Sephora and adorebeauty.com.au. 3. A fresh cuppa Dilmah guarantees the character and taste of its authentic, traditional tea, so you can enjoy a quality, garden-fresh taste. That’s why lovers of…

1. Rejuvenate your skin The Palmolive Oil Infusions Body Moisturiser range has luxurious, deeply hydrating formulas, easily absorbed with a non-greasy feeling. Enriched with infusions of botanical oils, such as avocado, macadamia and jojoba, the formulas leave your skin smooth, hydrated and lightly fragranced. RRP $9.99, 400ml. Visit palmolive.com.au. 2. Cool cotton basics Working closely with Cotton Australia, Rockmans’ new basic T-shirt collection features 100 per cent Australian cotton. Soft, natural and breathable, these premium quality basics are easy-wearing pieces that will keep you cool all season. RRP $16.99. Visit rockmans.com.au. 3. Quick fresh soup The Primo Moraitis Fresh range includes a variety of delicious fresh soups, all conveniently ready to heat and eat, whether it’s a quick office lunch or hearty bowl of soup for dinner curled up on…

Libra Sep 24-Oct 23 It is amazing how much your reputation, image, photographs, film clips or title can achieve. Wonderful opportunities to showcase yourself in a new way will appear now, so ask the right questions near October 12 and give the right answers, too. Take your time with a burning issue affecting your home, family, town, household or country. This could snowball unless you take a deep breath and come up with a strategy which will work for you in January as well. Seek advice if in doubt. Scorpio Oct 24-Nov 22 Internet content is hard to remove so be cautious with social media, blogs or websites this month, as your ruler Pluto lines up with Mars, which is risky. You win the prize for patience, Scorpio, as the…

When US First Lady Michelle Obama invited Meryl Streep to Morocco, in June this year, to help young women in developing countries get an education, the three-time Oscar winner packed her toothbrush. “If Mrs Obama asked me to road-trip anywhere to help further the cause of girls’ education,” said Meryl, “I’d say, ‘I’m there in five minutes'.’” So Meryl became part of Michelle's “special girl power unit”, which included Michelle’s daughters Malia, 18, Sasha, 15, and her 79-year-old mother, Marion Robinson – the White House’s first live-in grandmother. They arrived in Marrakesh, the Moroccan capital, on a six-day mission to promote the benefits of education in a country where only 14 per cent of poor rural girls attend high school and where, in the wider population, around 40 per cent…

What makes a woman powerful? This year, our six judges stressed that the test of true power is in what we make of it. They were looking for women of both power and substance, who use their influence to make a tangible contribution to Australian life. Some of these women have smashed glass ceilings, others have ignored them, but each has navigated the world unapologetically on her own terms. There was lively debate among the judges and the top 10 positions were particularly hotly contested, with some fascinating results. The judging panel CPA Australia Chief Executive, Alex Malley; ABC presenter, Virginia Trioli; transgender advocate, Catherine McGregor; World Vision CEO, Tim Costello; YWCA NSW CEO, Anna Bligh; and the Editor-in-Chief of The Australian Women’s Weekly, Kim Doherty.…

  All prices are approximate. Items available online where websites are quoted.…

Are you happy with the hair products you are currently using? Most definitely. Blonde hair is hard to maintain as it can go brassy and dry between salon visits. The John Frieda® Sheer Blonde® Colour Renew range neutralises the brassy, yellow tones in my hair and leaves it feeling soft and revived. It allows my colour to stay fresh between trips to the salon. What are your main hair concerns? Flat, dry, brassy blonde hair. I spend a lot of time at the beach and I find the sun and salt water very harsh on my hair colour and ends. The Sheer Blonde® Colour Renew range is a violet-based shampoo and conditioner, so it not only corrects my blonde colour, but the conditioner is also extremely hydrating, keeping my hair…

CORRECT RISK FACTORS 1. Being a woman. 2. Strong family history of breast cancer (however, according to Cancer Australia’s recommendations for the management of early breast cancer in women with an identified BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation or at high risk of a gene mutation, only around 5-10 per cent of breast cancers are due to hereditary/genetic mutations). 3. Being a smoker. 4. Growing older. 5. Drinking alcohol. 6. Starting menstruation earlier or menopause later. 7. Taking the contraceptive pill, although it is recognised that this risk only exists while a woman is actually taking the contraceptive pill regularly and diminishes completely 10 years after stopping. INCORRECT RISK FACTORS 1. Sunbathing topless. 2. Using deodorant. 3. Bumping or bruising the breast. 4. Sleeping in a bra. 5. Nipple piercing. 6.…

Life is busy! Work, kids, you, your partner, personal admin – the list goes on! Sometimes putting yourself first seems to come last. That’s why Weight Watchers frozen meals are the perfect meal-time solution when you’re short on time. Weight Watchers has done the shopping and cooking for you so you can spend extra time on the things you love – like that yoga class you’ve been meaning to take for weeks! The range is created with culinary experts and nutritionists so you know they include the perfect blend of wholesome ingredients including quinoa, vegetables and seafood. Taking time out for yourself never tasted so good. FUEL BODY & MIND Try a few of our favourite, proven ways to feel fitter and happier: YOGA The blend of physical and spiritual…

“This recipe transforms an economical whole chicken into a flavoursome meal.” Korean barbecue beef SERVES 4 PREP TIME AND COOK TIME 35 MINUTES (+ MARINATING TIME) 1 ripe kiwi fruit 600g beef eye fillet, sliced 3mm-4mm thick (see Julie’s tips) 3 cloves garlic, crushed 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon sesame oil 2 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine (shaoxing wine) 2 tablespoons brown sugar ½teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons peanut oil oak leaf lettuce, jasmine rice, long red chillies, mint leaves and lime wedges, to serve 1 Place kiwi fruit into the bowl of a mini food processor and blitz until it forms a paste. Toss the paste through the beef and allow to stand for 10 minutes. In a small bowl, combine the garlic, soy sauce, sesame…

“These luscious squares of cheesecake are bursting with zesty flavours.” Lime and passionfruit cheesecake sandwiches MAKES 12 PREP AND COOK TIME 25 MINUTES (+ REFRIGERATION TIME) 2 x 200g packets Lattice biscuits 2 teaspoons gelatine 2 tablespoons cold water 500g cream cheese, softened 1 tablespoon finely grated lime rind 2 x 395g cans sweetened condensed milk 1/3 cup (80ml) lime juice 1/3 cup (80ml) passionfruit pulp 2 cups (320g) icing sugar, sifted 2 tablespoons passionfruit pulp, approximately, extra 1 Grease and line the base and sides of a 20cm x 30cm lamington pan, allowing a 5cm overhang. 2 Place 12 biscuits in a single layer in pan to cover the base. Trim the biscuits to fit if necessary. 3 Sprinkle the gelatine over the water in a small heatproof jug;…

Pack the cat in its cage, secure the china, but how do you take your garden when you move? Legally, plants rooted in soil are a fixture, like an in-ground pool. Yet, with the new owners’ permission, a beloved shrub can come with you to your new home. Step 1. Be realistic. While you can buy fully grown trees, these have been grown above ground so their roots stay intact until they reach their new home. So stick to shrubs no more than 2 metres high to move. Step 2. Begin as soon as you put your home on the market. Dig a trench at least 60cm deep – the bigger the shrub, the deeper the trench – around the “drip line” of the plant (where drips fall from the…

The Good People by Hannah Kent, Picador Australia. Hannah Kent captivated the world with her debut, the best-selling Burial Rites, a haunting tale of the last person to be executed in Iceland, and this new novel has that same vivid quality, combining powerful word-perfect descriptions with deeply drawn characters who tower as the story develops. The year is 1825 and in a remote valley in south-west Ireland a society of battlers is gripped with superstition and folklore, and their devotion has devastating circumstances. “The idea for The Good People began during the research process for Burial Rites,” explains Hannah. “While reading old newspapers, I chanced across an article describing the trial of an Irish woman. It was so extraordinary that I copied the article into my notebook, knowing that I…

Garden walks Gardens, famous and hidden, classical and modern, feature in a new Gardens of Piedmont tour with Hidden Italy. The two-week tour leaves Turin on May 24, 2017, and a Gardens of Tuscany tour departs Florence on May 5. Visit hiddenitaly.com.au. Top tip TEA WITH BUBBLES Can’t make afternoon tea? The Langham, Melbourne, has Twilight Tea with Wedgwood in the Aria Bar & Lounge, weekdays, 4.30pm-8pm. It’s $55 per person, with dainty cakes, Wedgwood tea-infused cocktail or sparkling wine, tea or coffee. To book, call 1800 641 107. Kangaroo Island close-up Nature surrounds the award-winning Southern Ocean Lodge, which seems to float above a rugged stretch of coast on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Adventure operator Exceptional Kangaroo Island and the Lodge have tailored two expedition-style private touring packages that…

11. Pip Marlow Pip Marlow uses her position as General Manager of Microsoft Australia to advocate for educating girls for careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths). She is also on the Australian Rugby Union Board. 12. Kate McClymont One is of this country’s most senior investigative reporters, The Sydney Morning Herald’s Kate McClymont scaled this year’s power list – thanks largely to her unflinching pursuit of corruption in NSW. 13. Michelle Bridges Michelle Bridges has used her media influence and knowledge of diet and fitness to help Australians lose more than 1 million kilograms and improve their health. There’s been an app, a website and 13 books, and she’s kept up the pace this year with baby Axel on board. 14. Gina Rinehart She may no longer be Australia’s…

“I am genetically programmed to hang on to things.” Every Thursday and Saturday for six weeks, the MOTH (the Man of the House) and I lived life with military precision. We leapt up at 7am, ripped the sheets from our bed and replaced them with stylish new ones. At precisely 7.17am, we added four plush cushions to complement the bedroom’s leadlight windows and gave the room a spray with air freshener called Eau de “This House Is For Sale”. By 8am, we’re at the greengrocer buying fresh flowers. Between 8.30am and 10am, we dusted the furniture, “freshened” the bathrooms, wiped grandchildren’s fingerprints off the fridge, mopped the kitchen floor and put out the garbage. At 10.30am, we put our elderly cat (Buddha – now sadly deceased) into his carry…