Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2021 i The Australian Women's Weekly

I’ve been thinking a lot about mental wellbeing this month, and how I can move it up my personal priority list. The reason for this can be pinned to one word – a word I’ve used and heard more in the last two weeks than I have my entire life – ‘languishing’. Languishing is a condition currently at the centre of global debate, sparked by a New York Times story which described it as the “neglected middle child of mental health”. It can be summed up in simple terms as a general state of feeling ‘blah’, of struggling to find joy in things. It’s not new, but we can blame the pandemic and its associated issues for its heightened prevalence and profile. It’s one of the reasons, inspired by mental…

It was 1971 when Des Clifton-Bassett and his wife, Marie, heard the news that they would be hosting the Duke of Edinburgh. Des was the new District Commissioner of the Madang region in Papua New Guinea. “We couldn’t believe our ears,” Marie tells The Weekly. The 92-year-old, who now lives in Castlecrag, NSW, treasures her memories of that visit. “We planned every detail with military precision. There was huge excitement as the Britannia sailed into the harbour, welcomed by a flotilla of canoes. The itinerary consisted of a Sing Sing [a ceremony with traditional dances], a reception for 200 townspeople, and dinner with the Prince at our house for a dozen people. “Over coffee, the royal barge streaked past with flags flying. HRH then had a swim, changed and left.…

The Unusual Suspects Mirando Otto leads this funny crime caper in which a gang of women attempt a heist. June 3, 8.30pm, SBS/SBS On Demand. Boy Swallows Universe Trent Dalton’s hit novel leaps from the page to the stage in the 2021 Brisbane Festival. Purchase tickets at qpa.com.au. Cinderella Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella will premiere at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre on Nov 16. Buy tickets at Ticketmaster. Cry-Baby The Musical John Waters’ classic film is brought to life on stage by the writer of Hairspray. Opens July 22, Sydney Opera House. Big Weather This exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria explores the weather systems that exist within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Phoebe-Waller Bridge The Fleabag star will join Harrison Ford in the fifth Indiana Jones movie. The film…

“I will miss my Grandpa, but I know he would want us to get on with the job,” said Prince William in his telling tribute just days after the death of Prince Philip. And certainly, after the dignified pomp and heart-rending solemnity of the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral, the royal family on both sides of the Atlantic has done just that. While Her Majesty returned to official duties with two virtual audiences just days after the funeral, the rest of the family also threw themselves back into work, virtually and in person. There were photos from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s visit to a family farm in County Durham as the couple took turns behind the wheel of a tractor, and also of Prince William, who met players from…

Most families have secrets, scars from the past that everyone senses they shouldn’t ask about, but the secret Denise Young kept from her daughter Nina for 25 years was more than discarded family baggage, it was intense, shocking and life-changing. So, it’s no wonder that when Nina discovered the truth about who her father really was, about the unvarnished horror of his crimes, it made her question her whole sense of self. “It felt like the ground had fallen out from underneath me. I thought, there’s no way Mum could know because if she knew then obviously I would know about it too,” Nina tells The Weekly as she casts her mind back to that day when everything went dark. By this time Nina was aware that her father had…

It was 11.30 in the morning and the Charlestown Square shopping centre was bustling with activity when Sharnae Furner arrived for her first date with Jimmy Berresford back in November, 2017. Nervous but excited, Sharnae had spent the morning trying on different outfits and rehearsing things to say. She was also 30 minutes early. Having brought her mum, Gayle, for support, the duo sat to enjoy a hot chocolate in the cinema cafe while passing the time. Scanning the faces of other cinemagoers in the foyer, Sharnae spotted Jimmy – also anxiously arriving half an hour early – at the top of the stairs. In any other situation you’d assume that the pair would have taken the initiative to start the date early. But for Jimmy and Sharnae, who are…

As we approach the front door of a terrace home in Sydney’s Newtown, a waft of patchouli oil comes along with its owner, antiques dealer and jeweller Sarah Jane Adams. Hugs are given and offers of masala tea are made as, wide-eyed, we take in the eclectic beauty of her home, which has been sanded down to find long-lost wallpaper, and displays a multitude of antiquities and memories of a life well lived. It’s “organised chaos”, Sarah Jane laughs, taking us through to her sitting room, where we nestle in for an hours-long chat, ranging through topics as diverse as reality TV and reclaiming menopause. With her striking looks and uniquely personal style, Sarah Jane – or SJ as she introduces herself – has always been more likely to stand…

Listen Dying for Sex (Spotify) When Molly Kochan was diagnosed with terminal cancer, she upended her entire life and embarked on a sexual adventure. Dying for Sex is that story, with Molly and friend Nikki Boyer discussing her trysts in all their hilarious and moving glory. Watch The Pleasure is Ours – The goop Lab (Netflix) This is a real eye-opener. The goop team dive into the world of female pleasure, interviewing nonagenarian sex educator and author Betty Dodson (who has since passed away) and providing the female sex education you wish you’d had as a teen. Shop Sex toys go mainstream! Let’s face it, buying sex toys used to be a bit seedy, browsing websites with names like Good Vibrations and then having an anonymous brown box turn up…

The year is 1941 and Soho is ablaze. Piccadilly Circus is bathed in a bright orange glow as German planes roar overhead dropping more bombs into the furnace. An incendiary crashes through the roof of some stables near Great Windmill Street, engulfing horses in rubble. Out of the choking clouds of smoke emerges a curious sight. Two beautiful young women are leading six terrified horses by their halters. By the time the girls reach Vine Street police station and deliver the horses to safety, they are also belting out a note-perfect rendition of I’ve Got Sixpence. It takes physical strength and a dollop of chutzpah to save six horses from burning stables, but it’s nothing to girls who are used to performing five shows a day, six days a week,…

Meet Natalie Decorte, a former ballerina, wife and mum to four children. By the age of 15, Natalie’s natural talent was recognised by her dance teachers and the Sydneysider left school to take up a scholarship at London’s prestigious Royal Ballet School. “Moving overseas at such a young age forced me to grow up quickly,” she says. “Living in a share house with other dancers, we had to teach ourselves to cook, clean, budget and get ourselves to class for the rigorous training.” Natalie’s ballet career (which included meeting the Queen) allowed her to step into the world of fashion. “I was often cast for shoots where they needed dancers,” she says, recalling days on set with famed photographers such as Mario Testino and Rankin. After six years abroad, Natalie…

Cate Blanchett Vigilant about sun protection, Cate swears by cold spoons on the eyelids to de-puff and loves Giorgio Armani foundation. Michelle Yeoh The actress has attributed her underlying glow to using Augustinus Bader’s cult moisturiser and Tatcha’s smoothing essence daily. Kerry Washington After base (she blends two Neutrogena shades), Kerry uses rose gold highlighter on her cheeks to make them pop.…

This exercise gives your circulation a serious wake-up call, so it’s a great antidote to feeling tired or sluggish. Do it on waking then repeat regularly throughout the day; for example, every time you wash your hands. Tying it to a regular action will help you remember to do it. 1. With a loose fist or cupped hand, rapidly and firmly pat down the insides then up the outsides of the arms. Then, pat down the outsides and up the insides of the legs including onto the feet. 2. Pat in a circle around your abdomen, your lower back, all over your head and finally your thymus (between your breasts).…

Anxiety itself is very much a part of our common human experience. It’s the result of living in this uncertain, ever-changing world – a result of being human! Our brains are hard-wired to experience anxiety. It is an inherent, self-protective mechanism. If we perceive something to be dangerous or threatening, our brain triggers a stress reaction called the fight or flight response – a neurochemical process that prepares our body to run or stay and fight to protect yourself against the perceived threat. This is what we experience as anxiety. And I can say firsthand anxiety isn’t a flaw or a weakness (which is why I avoid words such as ‘disorder’ or ‘illness’). We need to let go of ideas about anxiety meaning you are ‘not good enough’, which typically…

Salmon & white bean fish cakes SERVES 1 (WITH LEFTOVERS) PREP + COOK TIME 25 MINUTES 400g can butter beans, rinsed and well drained 1 tablespoon store bought pesto, plus extra to serve 2 teaspoons dijon mustard 180g skinless salmon fillet, cooked and flaked 2/3 cup (50g) dried bread crumbs (panko) ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil, to shallow fry steamed green beans, mayonnaise, lemon wedges, to serve 1 Place the beans, pesto and mustard in a medium bowl and crush with a fork until mostly smooth. Add the salmon and half the bread crumbs, season and mix well to combine. 2 Divide into 6 x 1/4 cup capacity patties and press into the remaining breadcrumbs. Freeze for 10 minutes, to firm up. 3 Heat oil in a medium non-stick frying…

Coconut & hazelnut cake SERVES 8 PREP + COOK TIME 55 MINUTES 2 cups (200g) hazelnut meal 1 cup (80g) desiccated coconut ½ teaspoon baking powder 4 eggs ¾ cup (165g) firmly packed brown sugar 100g butter, melted, cooled BLISTERED GRAPES 200g red grapes ½ cup (55g) caster sugar ¼ cup (180g) honey 2 cinnamon sticks 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 Preheat oven to 160°C (140°C fan-forced). Grease a deep 23cm round springform cake pan. Line the base and side with baking paper. 2 Combine hazelnut meal, desiccated coconut and baking powder in a large bowl. Whisk eggs and sugar in a medium bowl with an electric mixer on high speed for 5 minutes or until thick. Fold in melted butter then hazelnut mixture. Pour mixture into lined pan. 3…

Stellaria, derived from the Latin word stella, meaning star, refers to the tiny, star-like blooms that flower on this green plant friend in the darkest months. You probably have chickweed in your garden already. The first hint on home soil that the cold months are here are the first buds of early chickweed. It always finds a place in our kitchen sphere, and the patch of growth in our shaded and damp areas of garden spaces is visited time and again to remedy ailments. Used regularly in its fresh form as a salad green or garnish in our home, chickweed is loaded with nutrition and full of minerals including calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron, phosphorus and potassium. It’s also rich in vitamins A, B and D. All of these help…

Coffs Harbour to Dorrigo Follow the Waterfall Way, with a pit stop at pretty Bellingen, to the Dorrigo National Park. Take a short drive to nearby Dangar Falls (above). Distance: 65km. Cowra to Dubbo Explore Cowra’s Japanese Garden, then head to Wellington for a tour of Cathedral Cave. Treat yourself to a stay at Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo (above). Distance: 210km. The Entrance to Shoal Bay Take the A49 and A43 coastal routes, passing four seawater lakes, then on to Shoal Bay (above) either via or bypassing Newcastle. Distance: 130km.…

Love & friendship The Last Reunion by Kayte Nunn, Hachette The women soldiers of the WWII Burma campaign were forgotten fighters. Nunn’s superb segueing skills bring to life three recruits and their commander, at a New Year’s Eve 1999, 55 years reunion. Calcutta 1944, rich Beatrix sits out the war rolling bandages. But when Bubbles and Plum sign up for mobile canteen duty, Bea enlists too. London 1999, Aussie Olivia is despatched by her art dealer boss to Bea Pelham’s mansion to finalise the sale of rare netsuke (valuable Japanese ivory, amber, coral sash toggles). When Olivia gets stranded at Bea’s remote mansion, the women forge a firm bond. In Oxford in 1976, a woman had stolen these netsuke from an unlocked cabinet at Ashmolean Museum. Sisterhood The Affair by…

wind and torrential rain thrash the Bradley home. The pitter-patter of the first drops to fall has been quickly replaced with a pelting that hits the windows so hard they risk smashing. Wagadhaany shivers with fear as a bitterly cold draught comes through a gap in the door frame. ‘We need to sandbag,’ Henry Bradley says forcefully, his role as patriarch of the family never more tested than now. ‘Others have already done it. We’re going to lose everything if we don’t take action now!’ It’s an announcement and an order in one, his four sons jumping to attention instantly, as does Wagadhaany, waiting for her instructions as their servant. ‘No!’ Mr Bradley’s wife, Elizabeth, has never raised her voice in their home and her challenge to her husband comes…

Dignity and grace The Queen may have grand castles to live in, but she had what surpasses these – the love of a caring man and a very special marriage (Prince Among Men, AWW, May). My heart aches at how the Queen will be missing her beloved consort and all he stood for and gave her in their partnership. The Queen will bravely carry on as she always has and we will continue to admire her dignity. F. Rooney, Sale, Vic A class act I would like to thank you for the article on Gladys Berejiklian (The Year that Tested Gladys, AWW, May). No matter what side of the political fence you are on, I’ve been hard-pressed to find anyone who could fault the way our Premier handled herself during…

Shane Jacobson plays Barry Tregear in the final season of Jack Irish on ABC TV, Sunday, June 13, at 8.30pm, and iview. The hardest thing about acting is … convincing people it’s a real job. In a film about my life, I’d like to be played by… me, because a gig’s a gig! I first realised I could make people laugh when … I told people I would make a good catwalk model. The most unlikely job I was ever offered was… pyrotechnician for Guns N’ Roses. Believe it or not, I actually did it! (true story). My secret talent is … raising my children to believe I have an answer to any question they ask without them knowing I have absolutely no idea about ANYTHING! My guilty pleasure is…

Eleven years ago, Justine Watson was working as a psychotherapist. She was married, caring for two sons with special needs (aged 10 and 16), living a sometimes stressful but rewarding and active life. Since her boys’ births, she’d had some incontinence – she peed when she laughed and wore a pad to the gym – but she was coping. Then her world came tumbling down. “I had my 40th birthday in 2010 with my girlfriends in Bali,” she tells The Weekly. One night, she wet her pants (again) and her girlfriends said, “You know there’s a surgery for that.” Back in Australia, Justine looked into it. She saw two specialists. The first scared her off. The second said, “Don’t worry, sweetie. You’ll be absolutely fine.” And she trusted him. She…

I’m back at last … back to how I was before I lost my mind. Sitting in the tranquil Daintree Rainforest in Far North Queensland, I roll a ball of black sapote ice-cream around my mouth, feeling all the terrible anxiety I’ve carried for the last year melt away – just like this delicious rainforest fruit ice-cream melts in my mouth. Travelling alone up to Cape Tribulation, Kulki country, to the most beautiful place on Earth – the northern tip of Australia – has been my ultimate test. It’s been quite a journey because, you see, on Sunday, March 1, 2020, I lost my mind. Not just for a minute, but for an entire day. Gone. I have no memory at all of what took place – and I never…

“It’s incredible to see the way people light up when they spot them. They’re like rock stars.” If heaven is a place on earth, it’s located at the end of a cul-de-sac in the NSW Mid North Coast town of South West Rocks. Pulling up at Lisa Domeny’s idyllic property, visitors are greeted by nine wagging tails, a rush of golden fur and 35 excitable paws. You see, Lisa and her husband Ian, a former builder, share their home with a small army of elderly dogs: six golden retrievers and three Labradors. There’s Sam with his perfectly crimped ears; Billy Boy and his cheeky smile; ball-obsessed Leo; lone brown Lab Bo; the appropriately named Bear; handsome Harry, who’s recently lost 15 kilos; new kid on the block Oscar; shy Poppy…

Sadly, astrophysicist Lisa Harvey-Smith admits her first experience of astronomy was pretty much a non-event. Expecting to see Halley’s Comet streak brilliantly across the Milky Way, trailing a tail of gas and cosmic dust, the reality proved downright disappointing. “That was the first time my dad tried to show me the night sky, when I was about six, and it was rubbish,” laughs the straight-talking scientist, gender equity campaigner, best-selling author and LGBTQI advocate. “It was very cloudy, so my first experience of astronomy was not seeing anything at all!” Fortunately, or a stratospheric career could have been over before it started, the second attempt was more successful. Six years later, Mars approached very close to the Earth and was clearly visible to the naked eye, brighter than all the…

We’ve come a long way since German actor Carl Baudin created flesh-coloured greasepaint to conceal the joint between his wig and forehead in the early 1900s. Today, a great foundation formula has the power to enhance your complexion, boost your confidence and possibly even rewind the clock a little. Unfortunately, there are caveats when it comes to getting great results after a certain age. “Instead of trying to hide flaws as we might when we’re younger, think about enhancing what you have,” says Trinny Woodall (right), founder of Trinny London. In practical terms, that might mean focusing on different parts of your face, switching formulas and getting your hands dirty again. “The issue is that as we mature, foundation can sit on skin and emphasise lines if we don’t adapt,”…

“Part of the problem is that skincare labels can overstate performance. I’m yet to experience ‘poreless’ or ‘glass’ skin.” Every now and then brands tackle the beauty vernacular. The magazine I worked on in New York banned the word ‘anti-ageing’ many years ago. It was quite inconvenient given that most of the products we wrote about were formulated to improve ageing skin. At the time, I thought it was woke and empowering. At the time, I had no wrinkles. Fast forward a few decades, some children and two international moves ... I have well-earned lines. And I wouldn’t say I’m offended by words like anti-ageing anymore. In fact, if that’s what the formula actually does then why not mention it – I’d quite like to know what I’m buying. Part…

health CHECK Bone density scan  Have you had one recently? The bone density scan is a straightforward test – similar to an X-ray – that can determine if you have osteoporosis. Doctors recommend it for any woman who has gone through menopause or suffered a fracture after a fall from standing height. The test takes about 30 minutes and you remain fully clothed throughout. To find out more, go to thebigo.com.au do THIS Junk food analyser Consider the last time you ate junk food. “Our research shows that most Australian adults are overindulging on discretionary foods and drinks such as alcohol, cakes and takeaway,” says Dr Chelsea Mauch, a postdoctoral researcher at CSIRO. “In fact, the average intake is twice the maximum amount recommended.” This is having a big impact…

Choo chee cauliflower with cashews SERVES 4 PREP + COOK TIME 3 HOURS 30 MINUTES 1 CURRY PASTE Process all ingredients until a smooth paste forms. 2 Heat oil in a 6-litre (24-cup) slow cooker on sear (high) setting. Cook cauliflower, turning occasionally, for 10 minutes or until browned all over; remove and set aside. Add onion to cooker; cook for 5 minutes, stirring, until onion is softened. Stir in curry paste; cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until fragrant. 3 Add coconut milk and stock to cooker; stir to combine. Return cauliflower to cooker with lime leaves and cashews. Cook, covered, on low for 3 hours or until cauliflower is tender. 4 Add coconut sugar and coconut aminos to cooker; stir to combine. 5 Boil, steam or microwave green…

Feeling FESTIVE Adelong rocks The NSW town of Adelong hosts the Winter Bites Festival on July 17, with a performance by country singer Kasey Chambers, plus regional food and wine events. You’ll be supporting businesses impacted by bushfires and COVID, too. winterbites.com.au Moveable FEAST Eat and be merry This year marks the Good Food & Wine Show’s 21st birthday. It kicks off in Sydney from 24-27 June before moving to other capitals – and with more than 600 wines, 60 types of cheese, classes and demos, the GFWS will satisfy everyone. goodfoodshow.com.au Food for THOUGHT Consumer history The Way We Eat exhibition at the Art Gallery NSW presents art illustrating the evolution of culinary items, cultural exchange through food, and the ritual meanings of food in Chinese culture. Highlights include…

Jambalaya SERVES 4 PREP + COOK TIME 55 MINUTES (+ STANDING TIME) 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 4 (800g) chicken thighs cutlets 250g cured chorizo sausage, sliced 2 medium (300g) brown onions, chopped 3-4 cloves garlic, crushed 2 (300g) celery stalks trimmed, sliced 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning 2 teaspoons sweet paprika 1 medium (200g) red capsicum, chopped 1 medium (200g) green capsicum, chopped 400g canned diced tomatoes 2 cups (500ml) chicken stock 1½ cups (300g) long grain white rice 8 large (560g) uncooked prawns ¼ cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley lemon wedges, for serving 1 Season chicken with salt and freshly ground pepper. Heat half the oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat; cook chicken for 10 minutes or until well browned all over.…

You will need to start the labne a day ahead. Labne is made by straining yoghurt through a fine cloth to release the liquid component, which is known as whey. The longer the straining time, the thicker the labne will become. The leftover whey will keep refrigerated for up to 2 days; use it in your smoothies or soups. A savoury labne can be made by omitting the sugar and vanilla. To fast-track the draining process, wring the top of the cloth every 15 minutes. For a decadent dessert, top with dairy-free chocolate ice cream and shaved dark chocolate. We used a mixture of raspberries, blueberries and cherries.…

Not so heavy load Save on potting mix and reduce the weight of large planters and pots by filling the pot one-third to one-half full with packing ‘peanuts’, before adding a layer of weed mat and topping up with potting mix. Don’t throw away your orange peels after juicing. Steep them in vinegar for a month, then use the liquid in a spray bottle for a great cheap kitchen cleaner. Safety first If you bang your fingers when hammering in nails, hold the nail in position with a clothes peg. Snuggle up When your UGG boots feel loose or worn, insert sheepskin innersoles for instant warmth and renewed snugness. Crafty solution A plastic mesh fruit bag makes a great yarn holder when using two or more colours for knitting. Place…

Plan your trip ahead of time. Where will you stop along the way? Will you stay somewhere overnight? Apps such as Waze ensure you are taking the best route and help you avoid huge traffic jams or accidents, as the app updates your trip every second. Check your services are up to date and completed with a reputable mechanic. Your car’s health is super important to keep you and your family safe. Ensure your tyres are roadworthy, there is air in them, and you have a spare in the boot. If you have kids, charge your devices, as well as downloading movies, educational apps and audiobooks to keep them entertained. Pack snacks, spare clothes and wipes for any mishaps or toilet stops. Do you have current roadside assistance? It’s a…

MURDER THRILLER The Ripping Tree by Nikki Gemmell, HarperCollins Nikki Gemmell first conceived of this, her great Australian novel, more than a decade ago. “I was living in London, dreaming of the tall blue skies of home,” she tells The Weekly. “I moved back to Australia in a great rush of thankfulness. But then life crashed spectacularly into the writing process – a new baby arrived alongside several more books and the death of both my parents, which knocked me for six. But my protagonist, Tom, wouldn’t let me go. I returned again and again to her.” This haunting page-turner is the result. “It’s an historical thriller, a big departure for me,” Nikki says. There are heart-stopping moments and an undercurrent whodunnit that runs through to the final page. But…

Lapsed by Monica Dux, ABC Books Dux was a devout Catholic who in adulthood questioned her church until, on a family holiday in Rome, her daughter asks to be baptised. One Italian Summer by Pip Williams, Affirm Before the award-winning The Dictionary of Lost Words, Pip Williams wrote this family memoir set under a Tuscan sun. The Auschwitz Photographer by Maurizio Onnis and Luca Crippa, Double Day The chilling and uplifting true story of Wilhelm Brasse, the Auschwitz prisoner who took the photographs that exposed the Final Solution. You Don’t Belong Here by Elizabeth Becker, Black Inc. The untold stories of three brilliant female journalists – Aussie, French and US – who challenged taboos as war reporters. A Doctor in Africa by Dr Andrew Browning, Pan Macmillan The heart-stopping story…

There’s a lot to love about tax time. Around seven out of 10 Australians receive a refund each year – that’s about 10 million people pocketing valuable extra cash. But you don’t have to settle for the minimum refund. With the end of the financial year fast approaching, there’s still time to clock up additional tax deductions – and you don’t always need to spend more to get more back. Here are five steps to take before 30 June to ensure a generous refund … 1 Get a handbag ( yes, really!) Life is short. Buy the handbag! You may even be able to claim the cost of it on your tax. Okay, there’s more to it than that – the cute little clutch you picked up recently is not…

To mark its 100th birthday, the Archibald Prize will be honoured with an exhibition that includes portraits drawn from every decade since the exhibition opened in 1921. Featuring 100 portraits arranged thematically, Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize reflects the changing face of our nation and includes works from libraries, galleries, museums and private collections. The exhibition opens at the Art Gallery of NSW on June 5, and will tour nationally from November.…

“I think anyone who has to eat on camera learns pretty quickly to not take the bite they wish they could have.” Melissa Leong talking to The Daily Telegraph about being a judge on MasterChef. “I’m grateful I don’t have to get naked in front of anybody again ever, even in candlelight.” Jane Fonda speaking to Harper’s Bazaar. “He should be in bed, he’s 83.” Olivia Colman talking about Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins missing the ceremony. “Madam Speaker, Madam Vice-President. No president has ever said those words from this podium … and it’s about time.” President Joe Biden in his first speech to Congress. “Our brains arelikeTeflon when it comes to compliments and Velcro when it comes to criticism.” Judith Lucy at the Sydney Writers’ Festival.…

Five years ago, Dame Judi Dench succumbed to her first tattoo. Etched on her wrist are the words ‘Carpe Diem’, a birthday gift and a reminder perhaps of a credo that has shaped both her career and her life. The multi-award-winning actor has been ‘seizing the day’ since she first played Shakespeare’s Ophelia at age 22 at Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre. Now she’s 86, and despite being one of the finest and most feted actors in the world, Judi has never rested on her gleaming laurels; in fact, she still crosses her fingers, hoping she will be hired again. “You worry about the next work, which is why I never turn anything down. But I wouldn’t change that because there’s something about being a bit insecure about the job you…

Superstar shares Your favourite celebrities are now coins, thanks to social network BitClout. The company has ripped 15,000 profiles from Twitter, allowing you to buy a token linked to a star and potentially cash in on their fame and influence. Virtual kicks When virtual shoe brand RTFKT Studios collaborated with crypto artist FEWOCiOUS, virtual pairs of sneakers sold out in seven minutes and generated US$3.1 million. Rumour has it more big brands and celebs want future collaborations. Fast-food tokens Taco Bell created 25 taco-themed images and animated GIFs as NFTs (or one-off digital tokens), and the lot sold in 30 minutes. All proceeds went to the Taco Bell Foundation’s scholarship program, restoring good sense to an otherwise crazy virtual-world sale.…

You may not realise it, but you already know and love the honey-toned voice of Aussie singer-songwriter Martha Marlow. In 2014, she brought the perfect dash of longing to Randy Newman’s Feels Like Home for a moving series of Qantas ads. Martha’s rendition was praised as “soul-stirring”, but it might never have existed if her talent hadn’t touched the heart of one of the world’s greatest living composers. The story goes that the ad campaign’s creative director, Neil Lawrence, had asked several artists to record versions of Feels Like Home to help him convince Newman to grant him permission to use the song. In a moment of inspiration, Neil asked the daughter of a friend how she would perform it. Martha was only 21, but she had a reputation for…

The premise of the book is problematic at best: a sociopathic, albeit handsome, Sicilian crime boss, with a penchant for throat-clutching sex play, kidnaps a “feisty” hotel sales exec and gives her 365 days to fall in love with him. Inexplicably, she does – and a UTIinducing amount of aggressive sexual congress ensues. Dubbed the Polish Fifty Shades of Grey, 365 Days is the first instalment in a controversial erotic trilogy by Blanka Lipińska, revolving around a swarthy alpha male called Massimo, who racks up his first sexual assault on page two. Granted, he’s not your garden-variety dreamboat. Still, 365 Days has become a global sensation. The novel has sold more than 1.5 million copies in Poland, and the English translation has just arrived in Australia, hot on the heels…

Revlon ColorStay Light Cover Foundation, $29.95, has pomegranate extract to boost hydration, and a formula that lets you build coverage where you need it most. Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation, $65, has hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid and vitamin C to even tone instantly and then improve clarity over time. Dior Forever Natural Nude Foundation, $93, is a fresh-feeling formula with a high concentration of water and plant extracts to hydrate skin and boost radiance. Rationale #3 The Tinted Serum SPF50+, $172, delivers serious protection with a zinc-fusion formula and a luminous tint with bio-active pigments. Ilia True Super Serum Skin Tint broad spectrum SPF 40, $73, has moisturising squalene, shea butter and calming niacinamide, giving skin a luminous and natural finish.…

For repair Caudalíe Resveratrol-Lift Instant Firming Serum, $105, tones and smooths skin with a blend of resveratrol, hyaluronic acid and vegan collagen. For comfort Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Face Cream, $48.99, has fruit extracts and an amino-peptide complex to hydrate. For all over Saba Organics Hydrating Moisturiser, $19.95, is packed with organic plant extracts to soothe even the most dry or sensitive types.…

Ever treated a headache with acupuncture? Tried herbal tinctures for a cold? Had acupressure to bring on labour? Then you’re familiar with Chinese medicine. Practitioner and author Katie Brindle is on a mission to help us work this ancient wisdom into our everyday lives. “There are so many sides to Chinese medicine that aren’t known in the West,” Katie, who has been teaching Yang Sheng on Instagram for free during COVID restrictions (@ katie_brindle), says. “It’s powerful and you can do a lot of these techniques on yourself.” In her London-based practice, Katie teaches clients yang sheng – ‘nourish life’ – simple movements whose roots extend back thousands of years. Practised daily, they can transform the way you feel and function. You can do the exercises in any order. “Start…

For women experiencing vaginal dryness, says Dr Talat, the discomfort and knock-on emotional effects are considerable. “The area can feel irritated, intercourse can become painful, and when you are not aroused in the same way as before, this also becomes something you need to navigate in your relationship.” Experts are quick to point out that while every woman will benefit from a different combination of treatments, one of the first steps is a vaginal moisturiser or cremolum (or pessary). “This can quickly bring comfort and relief, and can work in conjunction with other types of treatment,” explains Dr Talat. Dr Wolff’s Vagisan Moisturising Cream, $39.99…

Coconut aminos is a salty, savoury seasoning sauce made from the fermented sap of the coconut palm and sea salt. It is similar in colour and consistency to light soy sauce and can be easily substituted. You can find it at major supermarkets and health food stores. Always check the label for allergen advice. You will need 2 x 375g packets of vine leaves. To prepare the leaves, drain them from the brine; rinse under warm water. Remove stems with a sharp knife; leave to drain in a colander or lay flat on paper towel. Browning the meat before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavour and gives the meat a beautiful, rich colour. Do this in a preheated, oiled frying pan – add the meat in batches,…

Tiramisù is truly a classic, but, having originated in the Veneto region in Italy’s north in the 1960s, it’s a rather new culinary creation by Italian standards. Tiramisù, meaning ‘pick me up’, is a great celebration dish – not only is it loved by most, but it stores well in the fridge so you can make it ahead of time. The homemade mascarpone is rich and luscious, while the savoiardi made from scratch give the dessert just the right texture. I like to add Marsala to my espresso; however, many people add rum, brandy or another liquor. I learned how to make tiramisù whilst living in Italy – my version is rich, with lots of mascarpone and a good hit of espresso. If you prefer it a little less damp,…

What inspired HOME with Deborah Hutton? My huge crush on coastal, but I’ve added a modern twist so it looks beautiful anywhere, whether beachside, in the country or city. It’s a true reflection of the things I love and looks right at home in my own house. I’ve collected special pieces over the years and have incorporated elements of these into the range. Can you share the key to nailing coastal style? My first secret is to stick to a neutral palette – think crisp whites and stone! Then add pops of colour like navy and duck egg blues. Coastal is all about a relaxed, laid-back vibe, and a great way of achieving that is layering. Layer cushions of different textures and shapes on your sofa and beds, and incorporate…

Dark Sky Parks are areas with exceptional starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural and cultural heritage. There are 100 DSPs worldwide accredited by the International Dark-Sky Association, but only two in the Southern Hemisphere: in the Warrumbungle National Park, and Wai-iti Reserve in New Zealand. Where to stay Camp Blackman in the Warrumbungle National Park is the prime spot for camp-chair stargazing. It has hot showers, BBQs and drinking water. Find more info at: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au When to visit Winter for the Great Artesian Basin spas; spring for the wildflowers at Warrumbungle National Park; December 4-17, 2021, for the annual Geminids meteor shower (peaking on December 13-14).…

Best-selling author Nikki Gemmell was born and raised in Keiraville, Wollongong. “It’s on the slope of the wildly beautiful Mt Keira. The bush was my backyard. I’m a proud ’gong girl,” she says. “Both my parents left school early. Dad was a coalminer who was expected to go down the pit at 16. Mum was a coalminer’s daughter who was expected to marry one, which she duly did.” Nikki’s love of books came from her teachers, and her passion for writing from the thrill of having her poem published in the school magazine aged nine. To date she has written 13 novels and four works of non-fiction, and her books have been translated into 22 languages.…

The Kiosk by Anete Melece, Walker Books Olga dreams of travel in the kiosk where she sells lotto tickets. When a wind blows the kiosk into the river with Olga inside, she washes up beachside. Early One Morning by Mem Fox & Christine Davenier, Penguin A farm boy is searching for a breakfast egg. He looks under a tractor … a haystack … a chicken is chasing him to give him a clue! The Emu Who Ran Through the Sky by Helen Milroy, Magabala Emus run fast but clumsy Lofty keeps falling over. Bush Mob Council send him to Platypus, who invents a feathery paraglider, so he can run through the sky!…

Gemini May 22 - Jun 22 Good news for your happy birthday month: planet Mercury is in Gemini for all of June. Not so ab-fab is that for the first three weeks it’s retrograde, meaning in mischief mode. Also known as Hermes, the Greek god of travellers, Mercury stimulates movement, though this month’s is likely to be less physically free-ranging and more the mental sort. The new moon eclipse in Gemini on June 10 celebrates the start of your astrological new year with inspirations, epiphanies and a personal growth spurt – though best wait till the last week of June before getting others on board with any new projects. Cancer Jun 23 - Jul 23 June starts nicely for family-centric Cancerians, with Venus joining Mars in your sign for a…