Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2020 i The Australian Women's Weekly

As I write this, life is slowly starting to return to something approaching normal. Parks are reopening, cafes and restaurants tentatively unstack chairs and kids frantically search for missing pieces of their school uniforms. In-person catch-ups are being planned and office workers contemplate the daunting reality of retiring the tracksuit pants and trainers in favour of leather shoes and suits. I’m starting to wonder if I’ll even fit into my ‘work’ clothes, such has been my isolation comfort eating, and don’t get me started on wearing make-up again. It has been well documented how this pandemic sparked a return to traditional pastimes; from baking bread and knitting to growing vegies. What I’ve also noticed is how it has driven a leap in the adoption of new technologies. My mother and…

Princess Charlotte will never forget the year she turned five. Birthdays in COVID-19 lockdown are challenging families all over the world to think creatively. Video-link parties and quiet at-home celebrations are the order of the day for most, but for the Cambridge family it’s also a time when duty calls. Kate, William and their three children have been holed up at Anmer Hall, their country house in Norfolk, but royal work continues, and if anything we have seen more of the Cambridge children at this time. “There have been ups and downs, probably like lots of families,” Kate revealed in a BBC video interview discussing how the three siblings are coping with news of the virus. “George is much older than Louis but they are aware ... You don’t want…

Losing a child is the worst thing that can happen to a parent and for Rachael and Jonny Casella it was both devastating and a turning point. Their beautiful daughter, Mackenzie, was seven months and 11 days old when she left this world on October 22, 2017. But even though her body failed her, baby Mackenzie’s legacy is proving to be immortal. Rachael believes that Mackenzie chose them to be the guardians of her soul. And despite everything, she says baby “Kenzie” has taught her to be a better person, to choose love over conflict, gratitude over struggle and most of all, to have a perspective that serves her every single day. Rachael couldn’t protect her baby girl from her fate, but she wants to protect future babies and parents…

LOU KENNY Yoga teacher, 60 Melbourne mum of two Lou does yoga all day long – but not in a studio. A firm believer that fitness should be infused in daily life, she takes every opportunity to practise. On Instagram you’ll see her at the beach, in the park, on any structure that can support a pose. “I call it landscape yoga. I could spend an hour or more in a door frame and not get to the other side!” she says, laughing. It wasn’t until after the birth of her first child at age 30 that Lou began Iyengar yoga. “At that time of my life I was in a mess and [my first yoga teacher] said it would give me confidence. I couldn’t see how a physical practice…

Joanne Corrigan smiles with her eyes, offers affection with gusto and when she’s worried about a friend, is quick to step in with a walk in the park, a pot of tea, an invitation to dinner, a shoulder to cry on. She’s a loyal friend, the magnificently encouraging mother of two bright-spark university students and a clinical psychologist with a Master’s degree and 20 years of successful practice under her belt. Yet until not long ago, Joanne thought she was “a bit of a loser”. “My constant companion,” she explains, “was a part of me that said, ‘You’re not good enough. Other people do it better. What do you know? Who do you think you are?’” That voice was so insistent, vicious and so convincing, it defeated every attempt to…

When Dame Quentin Bryce attended the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011, she was resplendent in a hot pink, coral and orange silk brocade suit with matching pink patent stilettos. The Governor-General of Australia was seated close to the action in Westminster Abbey. “There’s the royals,” she recalls, “then the foreign royals and then the governors-general. We were right up front in the abbey, looking across where they face each other. So we could see everybody coming in – the Middletons, all the royal family. It was a lot of fun.” While 36 million people watched the wedding on television, in a small studio in Brisbane, several seamstresses watched even more intently. They had made the Governor-General’s outfit and now it was being beamed around the world.…

Newcomer Ellus & Krue proves that Aussie skincare is where it’s at. Beautifully presented (and fresh, thanks to the hygienic pump bottles), the collection is designed to keep complexions calm and youthfully healthy. The hero serum, containing curcumin, French lilac and more, was created by Queensland ageing and cancer research scientist Professor Derek Richard. “It’s full of antioxidants at high concentrations and they’re all scientifically proven,” he says. “In the lab, we’ve seen the mitochondria (or cell energy centres) become healthy again.” For some, that’s spelt the end of chronic irritation. Ellus & Krue Epi-gN Serum, $330.64, and Hydrating Day Defence, $166.91.…

Children and babies often suffer rashes and sensitivity as they come into contact with potential new allergens every day. Supporting the skin barrier with gentle skincare and moisturiser helps keep irritation to a minimum. Avoid irritants like many essential oils, and use skincare products that are pH balanced, dermatologist tested and not too fragranced. Teens can be ravaged by hormones, which inflame the skin on the face, chest and back. Instead of banning moisturiser and scrubbing the skin, try to keep skin calm, dial down the redness and help it heal. Soap- and SLS-free cleansers are a great start, while a light clay mask weekly will help absorb excess oil. Dabbing on Tea Tree Oil (5% concentration) can reduce the number of spots but can be irritating, so go easy.…

MAKES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 5 minutes Place 1 cup (150g) self-raising flour in a medium bowl; cut in ½ cup (140g) Greek yoghurt and 1 tablespoon water with a butter knife. Bring mixture together with hands until smooth. Divide dough into four; roll each between floured pieces of baking paper until 20cm round. Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a medium frying pan over high heat. Cook one piece of dough at a time for 30 seconds each side or until puffy and golden, adding more oil as necessary.…

“Let food be thy medicine and let medicine be thy food.” Hippocrates’ famous quote, as well as evidence from many other ancient cultures such as the Ayurvedic tradition, proves that the link between diet, lifestyle and our health has been well known for thousands of years. Yet despite this, chronic disease is still the major cause of illness and mortality worldwide. A chronic disease is a long-lasting health condition such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis or diabetes. Some of the major risk factors that you can control are what you eat, how much energy (or kilojoules) you consume and the amount of exercise and activity you do. Well what about genetics, you might ask? You can’t control that! Studies have shown that genetics do play a role in chronic disease…

The Maggie Beer Foundation was established in 2014 to improve the food experiences of older Aussies, particularly those living within aged care homes. Maggie has made it her mission to link the latest research on how the food we eat can impact brain health and general wellbeing, using her innate knowledge of what good food can do for everyone’s emotional wellbeing. “Food is the fuel of life, of great conversation and memorable meals. Its substance is far more than just the nutrients acquired in the act of eating,” Maggie says. “It’s the knowledge of loving preparation, the anticipation of sharing a beautifully cooked and presented meal and the delicious pleasure of engaging all our senses as we eat. Food is nutrition not just for the body, but also for the…

TRUE CRIME Joe Exotic: Tiger King (Wondery) An investigation years in the making, the incredible tale of Joe, a self-appointed “Tiger King” whose fascination with big cats is outweighed only by his hatred of sanctuary owner Carole Baskin. Murder, mayhem, gunfights and more ensue. Criminal (Radiotopia) It’s billed as “stories of people who’ve done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle”. Hosted by Phoebe Judge, each episode features a new case. Also try: Dirty John (Wondery). True tale of how a con man posing as a doctor almost destroyed a family. Death In Ice Valley (BBC World Service). Investigation into one of the most intriguing mysteries of the Cold War. Unravel: True Crime (ABC). Australian podcast tackling three separate cold crime cases. CELEBRITY You Must…

Artist NORA HEYSEN, A PORTRAIT by Anne-Louise Willoughby, Fremantle Press The first woman winner of the Archibald Prize in 1938 (the second, Judy Cassab, would not win until 1960); Heysen was a trailblazer in many fields. An army captain, she also became Australia’s first female official war artist in 1943. Daughter of Australia’s best known landscape artist Hans Heysen, her talents were not widely recognised for much of her life due to social constraints. Willoughby had unprecedented access to archives, family and friends. Heysen loved strong coffee, which she served guests in brown Derby mugs. “She would throw great chunks of mince to butcher birds and magpies and pigeons. They were all equal. She was very democratic.” Romantic poet THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF BYRON by Emily Brand, Hachette…

For interior designer and author Sibella Court, this was a sea- and tree-change with a difference. In 2019, she swapped living in Sydney’s eastern suburbs for a life among the eucalypts in Bundeena, on the city’s southern outskirts, with golden beaches and rock pools a short stroll away. She was eager to relive a romantic past inspired by two muses: her grandmother, who once lived on the NSW mid-north coast, and a TV program that shaped her childhood, The Ghost and Mrs Muir. She can now relive the magic of those wide-eyed moments with her daughter, Silver, six. Sibella discovered her new life purely by chance. Having regularly visited friends building a new home in the coastal village, she fell in love with the idyllic location – and it was…

Saving for retirement is one of our biggest financial worries. According to the Real Concerns Index, commissioned by Real Insurance, the rising cost of living, having time to save, and maintaining a certain standard of living all weigh heavily. Add in the COVID-19 pandemic throwing plans into disarray and the stress has only built. Luckily, experts assure us it’s not too late to retool your plan to secure your future. Make it count The government’s Moneysmart website (moneysmart.gov.au) has a great tool to help calculate retirement income based on your salary. The table above shows how much you need to maintain a “comfortable retirement” which includes “a broad range of leisure activities”, or a more modest retirement. If you’re concerned you’re not going to have enough money and are expecting…

LETTER of the MONTH The Edwina Bartholomew and little Molly cover was magic (And Baby Makes Three, AWW, May). Eddie is a ray of sunshine and looks so happy and natural, and to see her with her bub was beautiful. There’s still a lot to smile about and enjoy, even if life is different during this time of isolation. I will be passing this issue on as usual! D. Templar, Rowella, Tas. ASKING FOR HELP What perfect timing to publish your article during the COVID-19 isolation, encouraging others to reach out for help when they’ve hit the wall physically and emotionally (Back From The Brink, AWW, May). Of all the ‘super mum’ articles over the years, inspiring women to push beyond the call of duty or capacity in their own…

I found the letters on the floor. I could easily have missed them, for the floor was deep in paper as though a burglar had visited (though a burglar might well have been more careful than the officers of the New South Wales Trustee and Guardian who were responsible for Kim’s affairs at the time). They had sifted through the contents of her home with so much haste, or so little attention, that they had also missed an envelope full of cash, obviously Kim’s emergency funds, and Kim’s original advance-care directive, both of which lay hidden amongst the years-old receipts and correspondence. There was a dusty letter from Don Chipp, the former Liberal Cabinet Minister who had left Federal Parliament and founded a new political party, the Australian Democrats, in…

BLOOMS & JEWELS Be bold with gemstone hues such as emerald green and deep ruby reds. STYLIST’S TIP An all-over print or burst of colour gives an extra opulent touch to this trend. PUNCHY BRIGHTS Illuminate your winter wardrobe with brilliance. STYLIST’S TIP Want to dress up your jeans? Add a pop of colour for an elevated look. CHECK MATE It’s hip to be square with a range of checks from classic to colourful. STYLIST’S TIP Pair your checks with neutrals such as blacks, whites and camel.…

1 AN ENERGISING BODY SCRUB Sea salt probably springs to mind for a DIY body scrub and it’s a great option for very tough, rough skin. “Also, sugar is good because it breaks down quicker. It has a smaller grain than sea salt, which makes it gentler,” says Kelly. “Even coffee grounds can work, because it’s an instant injection of coffee into the skin, which peps up circulation.” To make - Pour 1 cup sea salt, light brown sugar or coffee grounds into a Mason or screw-top jar. - Mix in enough liquid coconut oil, almond oil or light olive oil to make a loose paste. - If you like essential oil, add a few drops to suit your mood and stir. To use - Soften your skin by soaking…

This game changer could be one for your wish list. The tech: The Corrale aims to be more user and hair-friendly than other straighteners. It’s completely cordless, so you can take it anywhere you’d take a brush (even in flight, when we start travelling again). It also has fine plates to hug each section of hair so you should only need to smooth it once. The results: A little bulky so waving wasn’t as easy but was doable. You get 30 minutes of cord-free styling on full charge (which takes 7 hours). We needed to smooth each section of (fine) hair twice at 165 degrees and once at 185 degrees. The verdict: Not as streamlined as we’d like but cordlessness is a dream. It feels like the plates are combing…

There are many tips to improve sleep, but what about your mattress? You can usually get seven to 10 years from a quality mattress, but if you feel achy, stiff or tingly, then sagging may be getting in the way of sleep. There’s also the risk of allergies in an ageing mattress, since they collect dust mites. To keep your mattress healthy, slip on a mattress protector, turn as recommended, and reduce dust mites/mould by airing it in the sun. It’s okay to leave beds unmade, too. Removing sheets for 30 minutes daily dries moisture or sweat. Try SleepMaker® Arizona Deluxe Firm Queen Mattress, $1999, at harveynorman.com.au…

Q My 10-year-old son is a little bit overweight, not much, though people comment. He eats and exercises just like his friends and he’s perfectly healthy. Do I need to help him lose weight? K.D., Qld. Arrange for him to have a general health and development check with his GP. That would include his height and weight. Ask the doctor to discuss healthy nutrition and exercise as part of the advice to him. Q My voice is changing and it seems weaker than it used to be, sometimes even shaky. Does everybody’s voice  change with age? L.L., WA. Ageing can cause changes in your voice because of changes in the tissues of your larynx. However, there are some medial reasons for changes in the voice which need to be considered,…

Loaded veg mac ‘n’ cheese SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 45 MINUTES 375g cauliflower, trimmed, cut into large florets 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 250g macaroni pasta 1 cup (240g) light sour cream 1¼ cups (310ml) buttermilk ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 cup (120g) frozen peas 120g baby spinach leaves 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon rind 2½ cups (250g) coarsely grated vegetarian cheddar ¼ cup (60g) finely grated parmesan cheese ½ cup (35g) panko (Japanese) breadcrumbs 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves 1 Preheat oven to 240°C (220°C fan-forced). Oil four shallow 2¼ cup (560ml) ovenproof dishes. 2 Place cauliflower on a large oven tray, drizzle with oil and season; toss to coat well. Roast for 15 minutes or until almost tender and browned. Reduce oven temperature to 220°C…

“This special occasion cake is divine! Its heady perfume from the rose honey syrup is quite something .” Persian love cake SERVES 14 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR 45 MINUTES (+ COOLING AND OVERNIGHT REFRIGERATION TIME) You will need to start this recipe a day ahead to drain the yoghurt to make the deliciously thick yoghurt icing. 6 eggs, separated ½ teaspoon cream of tartar 1½ cups (330g) caster sugar 250g butter, melted, cooled 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon rind 1 teaspoon ground cardamom 3⅓ cups (400g) almond meal 1½ cups (200g) gluten-free self-raising flour ¾ cup (270g) honey 2 tablespoons lemon juice 6 figs (360g), halved ¼ cup (4g) dried rose petals ¼ cup (35g) coarsely chopped pistachios YOGHURT ICING 2kg Greek yoghurt ½ cup (80g) gluten-free icing…

Heartburn by Nora Ephron Acting giant Meryl Streep gives an award-winning performance voicing the comedic novel, loosely based on the breakdown of the author’s own marriage to journalist Carl Bernstein. Becoming by Michelle Obama The former First Lady herself voices her bestselling memoir, chronicling the extraordinary events which shaped her, from her childhood in south-side Chicago to being the first African-American FLOTUS. Warm, wise and revelatory. Emma by Jane Austen Fittingly, Emma Thompson narrates this classic tale, joined by a supporting cast including Downton Abbey’s Joanne Froggatt and newcomer Isabella Inchbald as Emma. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Sissy Spacek is the perfect fit to narrate this classic coming-of-age story, set in America’s Deep South during the Great Depression. The…

Historical fiction Tsarina by Ellen Alpsten, Bloomsbury Before Catherine the Great, there was Catherine I, the all-powerful Russian Empress who was catapulted from serfdom to the highest position in the land. Her story is shocking and in UK-based author Ellen Alpsten’s intoxicating hands it’s also a vicious, bloody, sexy romp. This is fearless historical fiction with a sharp contemporary frisson which offers a thought-provoking vision of the brutal, knife-edge lot of women at the time. The illegitimate, illiterate servant has captivated the author since she first found her in a history book when she was 13. “I wanted to learn more about Catherine but couldn’t. There was no book, no thesis, no biography, no novel, no nothing,” says Ellen. “Yet her reign set the scene for all that was to…

Love story DESIRE LINES by Felicity Volk, Hachette Can true love conquer all? This is the question at the heart of Australian author Felicity Volk’s deeply affecting debut novel, and the answer is complex and devastating. Set over five decades from 1952 and told in alternating narratives, we piece together the stories of Paddy and Evie. Paddy O’Connor’s childhood is shocking – abused first by his father and then by the nuns at the catholic home where his mum is forced to leave him and finally in Australia on a children’s farm. That underlying trauma contaminates everything in his adult life. Evie is raised in secure middle-class Canberra and follows her passion to become a famous landscaper. An unconventional love story follows as Evie and Paddy come together and…

Picture perfect IT WAS SET TO BE an occasion to remember, connecting the 1000-year history of the oldest European monarchy with modern Denmark. Two months of galas and exciting events to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Margrethe’s 80th birthday on April 16. Then COVID-19 set in and almost everything was cancelled. “I will remember my 80th birthday as unique, one of the most memorable,” said the Queen in a national address. While pomp and parties were off, stylish fine art photo portraits of Her Majesty and her family including an historic set-up with her son and heir, Crown Prince Frederik, and the second in line to the throne, Prince Christian, were still released, as was a stunning portrait of Crown Princess Mary’s daughter Princess Isabella for her 13th birthday. Karl Stefanovic…

Pushing a shopping trolley down the sparsely stocked aisles in her local supermarket, Lisa Wilkinson is stopped by a sudden thought. “I wonder if Mum needs anything,” she ponders, pulling out her mobile phone and preparing to make a quick call to find out. It’s then – not for the first time, and certainly far from the last – that the crushing realisation her mother, Beryl, is no longer here hits her afresh. At the age of 89, Beryl lost her battle with cancer close to two years ago. Yet The Project host admits with raw honesty, “I’m still not used to her not being around.” As she speaks to The Weekly today, that sense of missing her mother is especially keen. For Lisa, now 60, has recently delved deep…

As members of the royal family took to Instagram to wish seventh in line to the throne Archie Mountbatten-Windsor a happy first birthday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex proudly released a captivating video of family life in lockdown in California. It was filmed the previous weekend as part of a savvy celebrity fundraising campaign for Save the Children in the US and UK to support families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Prince Harry took on camera duties as Meghan read one of Archie’s favourite storybooks, Duck! Rabbit!, written by inspirational author and film maker Amy Krouse Rosenthal, who died from ovarian cancer in 2017. The story presents the debate over whether the well-known optical illusion illustration is a duck or a rabbit and teaches the lesson of appreciating different…

We’ve all heard of Gloria Steinem, the charismatic poster girl for America’s feminist movement, founding editor of Ms magazine and ardent activist in the battle to legalise abortion, but Phyllis Schlafly – who is she? Phyllis was in many ways Gloria’s nemesis, a conservative self-professed homemaker whose grass roots campaign against what should have been a shoo-in amendment securing equal rights for women – and men – was not only audacious, it succeeded. The seemingly prim pillar of the right is the subject of Foxtel’s superb nine-part series Mrs America starring the cream of Aussie acting, Cate Blanchett and Rose Byrne – and interestingly it is the buttoned-up right-winger who steals the show. In pastel A-line dresses and soft knits, her hair an undulating bouffant up-do with chaste kiss-curls, Cate’s…

The clock had ticked past 2am when Dr Annette Holian finally emerged into the warm night air. The trauma surgeon had spent the previous hours hunched over in an operating theatre deep inside the multinational military base at Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan, saving the life of a Dutch soldier seriously injured after an improvised explosive device exploded under his vehicle. Having successfully sent him to intensive care, she stepped outside the pressure cooker ER to catch her breath. While gathering her thoughts in the inky darkness, she noticed fireworks in the sky. “I wondered what the celebration was,” Annette recalls. “Then I got my bearings and realised I was facing north, towards the Baluchi Pass, known as the valley of the shadow of death, where our troops patrolled against the Taliban.…

While we’ve all been in isolation, letter writing has had a resurgence. In these days of digital and electronic communication, knowing that a friend or neighbour has taken the time to write a letter on personalised stationery is a rare joy. It’s a pleasure bettered only by the act of writing and posting one. Get the kids to include notes, drawings, stickers and stamps. It’s sure to bring a smile to all who receive them, especially grandparents. GET PERSONAL Individualise your letters with coloured and patterned stationery and a range of pens.…

Shorts Choosing a longer cut makes them appropriate for any occasion. Zara shorts, $99. look 1 Style tip Pair with a blazer and heels so you can easily wear this look in the workplace. look 2 Style tip Adding a silky blouse and slides transitions your shorts to the weekend. Midi skirt This style is an especially flattering one. Opt for a bold colour or print and let it be the focal point. Zara skirt, $99. look 1 look 2 Style tip eam with a knit and s for dressedwn casual, or add sandals and a trench coat to e your look. Trousers Looking for your new season staple? A pair of tan trousers will take you everywhere. C/MEO Collective trousers, $169.95. look 1 Style tip Exude offhand cool by…

Meet the midi If it’s been a few weeks between cuts, take some style inspo from the midi crowd. Hint: it’s all about the ends. The midi is a glossy, one-length look that’s ageless, flattering and right for any hair type, apart from very thick or curly. Plus, it’s long enough to give you multiple styling options. “It’s the ends that really make it,” says hairstylist Barney Martin. “Try a little twist with the brush, or a little kink with the curling iron, or a little pull-out with the straightener, which gives you that soft movement.” However, to look great, you do need healthy, high-quality hair, so keep up the salon masks (when you can) and moisturising haircare at home. DID you  KNOW? MOST LIP BALMS DON’T ADD…

Sadly, our oral health is slipping. Earlier this year, The Australian Dental Association (ADA) found that the number of adults with periodontal pockets (a cause of tooth loss), untreated tooth decay, and tooth aches have all shot up in the past two years. And only 53 per cent of us are brushing twice a day! Adding to this is the stress of lockdown that can impact our smiles in more ways than one. Unchecked anxiety can contribute to mouth ulcers and cold sores, says the ADA. Also, we might try coping by falling into unhealthy habits. Passing the cookie jar or pouring one more glass of wine can feel very comforting. Then there’s that all-important daily oral care, which can be overlooked when we’re out of our usual routine, and…

Pork sausage minestrone SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 8 HOURS 250g pork and fennel sausages 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 large (200g) onion, chopped finely 1 medium (120g) carrot, cut into 2cm pieces 2 (300g) celery stalks, cut into 2cm pieces 3 cloves garlic, crushed 2 teaspoons fennel seeds ½ teaspoon dried chilli flakes 400g can cherry tomatoes 1.5 litres (6 cups) chicken stock 2 small sprigs rosemary 60g soup pasta 400g can chickpeas, drained, rinsed ½ bunch (100g) cavolo nero, leaves stripped, chopped coarsely ⅔ cup (50g) finely grated parmesan 1 Squeeze the sausage meat from the casings in small pieces onto a plate lined with baking paper. Heat oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the sausage meat, turning, for 5…

In Australia we are familiar with the food in suburban Chinese restaurants serving Cantonese-style dishes. In Ross Dobson’s new cookbook, Chinese Food Made Easy, he explains the key ingredients and easy techniques to master the art of cooking simple Chinese food at home. Five-spice powder MAKES 50g PREP TIME 5 MINUTES 2 cinnamon sticks 3 star anise 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns ½ teaspoon fennel seeds 2 cloves Combine all ingredients in a spice grinder and process until a powder. Store in an airtight container. Singapore noodles The dried rice noodles used here are best cooked with very little or no sauce as they tend to absorb liquid and go soggy. Curry powder is not often used in Chinese cooking but it is a delicious addition to this moreish noodle dish.…

Best of AWW The Weekly has been creating triple-tested recipes for more than 80 years. In our new, special, hard-covered compilation, Best of The Australian Women's Weekly, we feature more than 100 of our most popular recipes. RRP $49.99, available from all good booksellers and awwcookbooks.com.au. Garlic prawn pizza? Yes please! It’s easy to achieve authentic wood-fired pizza at home with the new Breville Pizzaiolo Smart Oven. The compact benchtop oven reaches temperatures of 400°C, making true artisan-style pizzas. To make pizza dough, add 300g bread flour, 7g dry yeast and 1 teaspoon salt to the bowl of a stand mixer. Add 180ml warm water and 40ml olive oil. Using the dough hook, knead on low speed until the dough is smooth and elastic (10 minutes). Stand dough in a…

You’ll need Scrap pieces of leather (not too thick) Templates on opposite page (blow up when photocopying or trace for desired size) Ruler, pen or pencil Scissors Split rings (small and medium sizes) White embroidery thread Embroidery needle Pin nail and hammer Scrap piece of timber Snap fastener kit with tool Marker pen Hot glue or similar You can purchase small pieces of inexpensive scrap leather from craft and some haberdashery stores and use them to make loads of little embellishments. We made the following using less than an A4 size piece of leather. Cord keepers 1 Start by drawing or tracing the bear template on the reverse side of the leather (see opposite page for template), making sure there is enough leather to fold in half for the back…

Sam Neill (@samneilltheprop) The actor used his COVID-19 self-isolation for good. You’ll find videos of him telling tales, reading stories and even interviewing his garden gnome. Best of all is Cinema Quarantine – short-films with pals including Hugo Weaving and David Wenham. Juniper & Fig (@juniperfoxx) Animal photos and videos are the best, right? So why limit yourself to cats and dogs? Juniper is a North  American fox living in a home with rescued exotic animals. Snakes, possums, chinchillas and more, there’s plenty to be “aww”-ed over. Nigella Lawson (@nigellalawson) The queen of cuisine brings the food porn to her Instagram feed. She shares drool-worthy recipes, her food  adventures at restaurants and providores and curated pics from other accounts to give you inspiration. Or should that be…

Mum-of-three Ellen Alpsten, 48, was raised in Kenya, where her father worked as a vet and her mother was a teacher. “I grew up in a steady halo of light and love, the youngest of three children and the only daughter,” she tells The Weekly. “Storytelling is very popular in Africa, as memories and myths are passed on orally. My two brothers were at boarding school, so in the afternoon, at home, I dressed up my four dogs and three cats, made them sit down and listen to my stories.” Aged 18, Ellen moved to Paris to study and won the Grand Ecole short story competition. In London she worked as a TV presenter and wrote her debut novel, Tsarina.…

Cookery Falastin: A Cookbook by Sami Tamimi & Tara Wigley, Ebury Press Modern Palestinian-inspired cooking that tempts your tastebuds and brings Middle Eastern flavours to the home cook with 110 recipes. Ottolenghi restaurant co-founder, the Jerusalem-born Sami Tamimi, collaborates with food writer Tara Wigley to take us through Bethlehem, Nablus, Haifa, Galilee, the West Bank and more, telling the stories behind the food. Literary fiction Suncatcher by Romesh Gunesekera, Bloomsbury It’s 1964 and Ceylon is in political turmoil. Schools are shut and at a loose end, schoolboy Kairo lives in his books, comics, collection of toy cars and scooting off on his bike. His left-wing father and mother have raised a well-mannered boy, who gets there is no pocket money. Then one day he meets rebel Jay, hurtling on his…