Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2021 i The Australian Women's Weekly

ROYAL outing By George, good shot Prince George looked all grown up when he got suited up to watch England face Germany in the European Football Championship at Wembley Stadium. The young prince, now seven, cheered and clapped with his mum and dad, Prince William and Kate, by his side. The Cambridges praised the English team’s “incredible performance” on Instagram. Sporting royalty David Beckham also popped over to say hello. BILOELA family Reprieve in Perth Priya and Nades Murugappan and their daughters Kopika, six, and Tharnicaa, three, have been full of smiles since they were reunited in Perth, and granted a reprieve from immigration detention, with the federal government approving three-month bridging visas. However, supporters say it’s not enough. Former PM Kevin Rudd has weighed in, saying, “There is no…

She’s barely nine weeks old at The Weekly’s photo shoot, but little Harley Rose is clearly at home in the limelight. The newborn bub takes centre stage in her mum Alinta Chidzey’s arms, wide-eyed with wonder at the decadent set sparkling all around her. “It feels like she’s been a part of this journey all the way along,” says Alinta, who was 37 weeks pregnant when she auditioned for the coveted role of Satine in the award-winning Broadway production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, which opens in Melbourne in August. The role, made famous by Nicole Kidman in Baz Luhrmann’s blockbuster film, required a dynamic audition and the mum-to-be didn’t miss a beat. “There was a moment in the audition where I’d just finished singing one song and the director…

In 2015, Kat Stewart should have been on top of the world. She was in the first flush of pregnancy with a much longed-for second child, a daughter she would call Gigi. Her marriage to fellow actor David Whiteley was going from strength to strength, the pair having successfully navigated their way from colleagues to friends to blissful lovers. And her career was still on an upward trajectory, with a comeback seventh season of Offspring soon to be announced, and several other projects in the works. Yet behind closed doors she was in the midst of unthinkable heartbreak. Five days after she’d learnt she was pregnant, her mother Kitty had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer – a disease that would claim her life four-and-a-half months later. Not only that, but…

While apparently stationed in South Korea, US soldier “Ryan” spent 16 months flattering and seducing Belinda Ann Frantzen before he began asking her for favours. By then, the Gold Coast mother-of-three believed herself to be in a committed relationship with the uniformed man she had met on a dating website in December 2015. Ryan wanted to include her in his future as he prepared to retire, he said. He had served his country for 20 years and was owed more than $2 million in superannuation. So far this story reads like an obvious scam. Cybercriminals are known to favour military personnel when creating fake personas because it lends them credibility and provides a handy excuse for why they can’t meet their victim. But Ryan didn’t ask Belinda to send him…

At 34-and-a-half, I appeared to have an enviable life. I was founder of a hot Sydney start-up, and I regularly appeared in the media and at business conferences, where I encouraged other women to strive for their goals. But on the inside, I was miserable. Because when I arrived home from work and looked at the four walls of my nice apartment, I was alone. I cooked alone, ate alone, watched TV alone and fell asleep clinging to a pillow. All I wanted was love and a family of my own. But I hadn’t been on a date in 10 years following the tragic death of my first boyfriend in a car accident. The first years after the accident were filled with grief. But as I clocked into my 30s,…

Embrace rich copper and brown tones on both lips and eyes. TRY: Revlon So Fierce! Prismatic Quad in Tantrum, $24.95, and Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor Naked Mattes in Skinny Dip, $24.95. Defined brows are an easy way to look effortlessly polished. Swipe on a tinted formula to add dimension and keep them looking groomed all day long. TRY: Revlon ColorStay Brow Fiber Filler, $22.95. Warm up your complexion with a liquid bronzer, which gives skin a hit of sun-kissed colour and a luminous finish. TRY: Revlon SkinLights Face Glow Illuminator in Sunburst Bronze, $24.95.…

Call it the forgotten territory. No matter how committed you are to sunscreen and skincare, we’re all a little guilty of neglecting our necks and décolletage. “The skin there is thinner, with fewer oil glands than we have on the face, so it’s susceptible to the early signs of ageing,” says Dr McCullum, noting that this can also mean you need to use lower concentration of some actives as the area can be more sensitive to ingredients than the face. To follow, dedicated formulas that can help forgive past wrongs. Clarins Super Restorative Décolleté and Neck Concentrate, $132, is packed with plant extracts to rejuvenate the area, including sunflower auxins and bamboo for firmness. SkinCeuticals Tripeptide-R Neck Repair, $225, is formulated with a slow-release retinol and tripeptide concentrate, which has…

Recently I sat down to dinner with my husband and mother-in-law. I’d cooked something delicious and lit candles. And then this from my husband: “Have you ever had Botox?” Four eyeballs watched me, waiting. Honestly, who even asks that? Some context: my husband has never asked anything specific about my beauty regime, except to say lovely things. He knows what I do for a living, and I’m assuming understands that means I sometimes test things that involve radio waves or lasers being blasted at my face. I came home recently with what looked like severe sunburn (laser induced) and he didn’t even mention it. In my mind, we had an unspoken agreement not to probe. When I once found receipts for laser hair removal that were not mine, I left…

Philosopher Henry David Thoreau’s most meaningful essay was about walking. To put it mildly, he was obsessed. “Every walk is a sort of crusade,” he proclaimed. Without walking, he said he could not preserve his health or sprits. He also couldn’t write. For Thoreau, walking was not just a physical act, but a spiritual one too. And today, science has caught up with his musings, as more and more data stacks up on the side of walking being one of the best things you can do for your health and mind. “It has a plethora of physical and mental benefits,” says Mairead Hallissey, a physiotherapist at Melbourne’s BalanceNorth, noting that research shows it can help manage chronic disease, reduce the risk of some cancers and lower blood sugar too. It’s…

Layers A raincoat worn over a warm base layer is essential for winter walking. TRY: lululemon Rain Rebel Jacket, $249. Leggings Technical fabrics wick moisture and reduce chafing. TRY: P.E Nation All Rounder Leggings, $129. Trainers You don’t need to rush out and buy brand new shoes, but you do need a comfortable, supportive and closed-toe pair. TRY: Adidas Originals Marimekko NMD_R1, $220. Accessories Listen to tunes that encourage a faster pace, and drink plenty of H2O. TRY: Beats By Dr. Dre Wireless Earphones, $349.95. Frank Green Ceramic Reusable Bottle, $49.95. Sports bra Reduce uncomfortable shifting and bouncing that can be a disincentive to step up the pace when you walk. TRY: Nimble Activewear Circuit Breaker Bra, $79.…

Treading water. Feeling meh. Coasting. We all have different ways to describe the feeling that psychologists refer to as languishing. “When you’re in this state, you feel like you’re stagnating – life is a bit aimless and joyless,” says organisational psychologist Adam Grant, author of Think Again. “You don’t have symptoms of mental illness, but you’re not at the peak of mental health either.” If you think about the spectrum of mental health, flourishing is the peak of your wellbeing, when life has a strong sense of meaning. At the other end is depression, where you feel drained and worthless. And somewhere in the middle, says Adam, is languishing. This might play out in different ways: you struggle to focus, or don’t feel motivated, or would rather not see friends.…

Q What can I do about vaginal dryness? It is causing so much discomfort. A Caused by declining oestrogen levels, this is an under-recognised, quality-of-life issue that women should be encouraged to discuss more openly and seek medical help to treat. The sandpaper-like discomfort, which can include itching, irritation and pain during intercourse, has knock-on health and emotional effects that are considerable. And while it’s important to point out that every woman’s experience of menopause is unique – and so the combination of treatments that work for her are too – one of the first steps is a vaginal moisturiser or cremolum/pessary. For many of my patients, this is a hormone-free option that brings comfort and relief, and can work in conjunction with other treatments that are hormone based, including…

Beef & broccoli MAKES ABOUT 36 SMALL MEATBALLS 400g beef sausages 120g broccoli florets, blitzed until fine 1½ tablespoons onion relish rice bran oil, for pan-frying 1 Squeeze the sausage meat out of the casings, then mix in a bowl with the broccoli and onion relish until well combined. Wet your hands and roll teaspoons of the mixture into small meatballs (you’re aiming for about 36). 2 Pan-fry in batches in a splash of oil over medium-high heat for 3 minutes each side, or until golden and cooked through. Chicken & corn MAKES ABOUT 36 SMALL MEATBALLS 400g chicken sausages 3 tablespoons drained tinned corn kernels 3 tablespoons thinly sliced spring onion rice bran oil, for pan-frying 1 Squeeze the sausage meat out of the casings, then mix in a…

Coconut oil is a solidified oil sold in jars and is available from major supermarkets and health food stores. Melt coconut oil as you would butter, either in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. This bread will keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Bomboloni is best made close to serving. Lemon curd can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. Filled or unfilled bomboloni will keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Vanilla pods can be placed in a jar of sugar to make vanilla-flavoured sugar; or use to stir hot chocolate or cup of warm milk. You can use 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste instead of scraping seeds from a vanilla…

Spiced poached pear cake with salted toffee sauce SERVES 12 PREP + COOK TIME 1 HOUR 40 MINUTES (+ COOLING TIME) ¾ cup (110g) self-raising flour 1 cup (100g) hazelnut meal 1 cup (220g) firmly packed brown sugar 150g butter, melted 6 egg whites POACHED PEARS 9 small pears (900g) 1 vanilla bean 2 cinnamon sticks, broken in half ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg 2 cups (440g) firmly packed brown sugar 1.5 litres (6 cups) water SALTED TOFFEE SAUCE ¾ cup (165g) caster sugar ¼ cup (60ml) water ¾ cup (180ml) thickened cream, at room temperature 1 tablespoon brandy 2-3 teaspoons Kikkoman Soy Sauce 1 POACHED PEARS Peel pears, leaving stalks intact. Remove cores from the base. Halve vanilla bean lengthways; scrape seeds into a medium saucepan. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar…

Q My couch looks dated, but I can’t afford to replace it. Any tips? A: Throw something at it! Be it a couch that’s old-fashioned or one that’s been well-loved by your furry friends, an on-trend throw will give a style lift. Marimekko UNIKKO blanket, $255. try THIS Colour code Colour choice is entirely personal. There’s no right or wrong, but the key is to commit. Try using variations of your colour choices as accents throughout your home to create a unified look. If blue is a key colour in your interior, continue the palette with teals and greens. Further visual appeal is achieved by incorporating textured fabrics and finishes – linen, timber or stone can diversify a consistent aesthetic. Colour authority Pantone’s new app, My Pantone, offers advice on…

FAMILY DRAMA When Things Are Alive They Hum by Hannah Bent, Ultimo Press In Harper Ming Hua Eve, author Hannah Bent has created a literary heroine of such pure beauty she takes your breath away, which is pertinent since breath is something Harper craves. We meet this very special young woman at the age of 21 when her health is failing her, as it has so many times before. Nevertheless, Harper displays a zest for life and cheerfulness that makes anyone who meets her, not least the reader, question their own outlook. She can’t abide those who damn her condition as Down syndrome – to Harper it is Up syndrome, beneficent and rather fabulous. Harper’s vision of the world, of her family, her boyfriend and of human emotions like love…

How did you become a thriller writer? I wanted to be a writer from the age of 12, but growing up in country towns like Gundagai, I felt that I had nothing to write about. I like to think I became a journalist to gather material, but I fell in love with newspapers. It wasn’t until my late 30s that I wrote [debut novel] The Suspect. That triggered a bidding war and every dream I ever had of being a writer came true. Where do you begin with a novel? I start with an idea – a ‘what if’ – and then I create a character. From that moment, the story unfolds organically, without plotting or planning. I figure if I don’t see the twists coming, neither will the reader.…

“Don’t settle for style. Succeed in substance.” – WYNTON MARSALIS Important message Thank you to Natalie Barr and her boys for openly discussing this topic – sexual assault/consent (The boys are my life, AWW, July). I read about Chanel Contos a while ago and I was alarmed at the results of her campaign. It’s so important that this topic is discussed openly. So often people brush it aside because they feel they can’t discuss it. As an educator, I am grateful that Respectful Relationships/Consent is part of the school curriculum. As a mother, it’s important my children can discuss this issue with me. S. Tsipiras, Collingwood, Vic Healing the trauma I was saddened to read of the trauma victims suffered under the guise of self-improvement (Slave to the guru, AWW,…

Cult member jailed Former Smallville actress Allison Mack has been sentenced to three years in prison for her role recruiting slaves for the cult NXIVM. Britney’s plea Singer Britney Spears has revealed the shocking level of control she is under, as she fights to end a conservatorship that has been in place for 13 years. PM’s unease Jacinda Ardern has distanced herself from a film set to be made about her response to the Christchurch terror attack, saying they should focus on the Muslim community.…

head down to: Vivid Sydney 2021 From August 6 to 28, the city comes alive. With free exhibitions and light shows, comedy evenings and  enlightening talks, there’s something for everyone at the annual colour-filled spectacle. Visit vividsydney.com. buy tickets for: Hamlet Originally programmed to celebrate Bell Shakespeare’s 30th anniversary in 2020, the production hits  the Sydney Opera House on August 7 before visiting Melbourne and Canberra. Visit bellshakespeare. com.au. go and see: European Masterpieces from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Showing until October 17,  Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art is hosting an Australian exclusive exhibition of works from artists including Rembrandt, van Gogh and more. binge watch: Dr Death Based on the hit podcast, Joshua Jackson (right), Alec Baldwin and Christian Slater star in this chilling true-life story…

Maggie Tabberer has graced the cover of The Australian Women’s Weekly many times but confesses she never thought she’d still be a cover girl at 84. “Darling, I’m thrilled,” she tells me settling into the make-up chair at our photographic studio. It took some coaxing to persuade the former model and Aussie icon out of retirement to step in front of the photographer’s lens once more for a full-blown photo shoot, but she is clearly having a ball. No sooner has she arrived than she’s talking through clothes, fabrics, hats, wraps and jewellery with The Weekly’s Style Director Mattie Cronan and sharing reminiscences from her days back in the 1960s as famous photographer Helmut Newton’s muse. And when she’s ready for her close-up Maggie doesn’t flinch and picks up right…

When she first broke onto the scene in 2014 with her bouncy ponytail and bright-eyed claims that she had conquered her terminal brain cancer with “nutrition-based therapy”, Belle Gibson was difficult to ignore. The inspirational story she had written for herself, of the single mother beating the odds and becoming an entrepreneurial success and philanthropic darling in the process, drew awards, magazine profiles and adulation. But when journalists revealed that her whole persona was a tangle of elaborate lies, the world turned on her fast. The self-anointed wholefood healer received death threats, while the authorities pursued her for her deceptive and unconscionable conduct. Photographers papped her coming and going from her house, and global headlines, podcasts and books fuelled her infamy. She was prosecuted and fined, but refused to pay.…

In 2019, I received a text message saying my phone was being switched to Amaysim. Since it meant nothing to me, I ignored it. Two days later I got another message, this one ostensibly from Telstra, saying my transfer had been complete. Again, I thought, ‘This is a phishing scam.’ Later, I discovered my phone wasn’t working. I came into the office to use my desk phone, but when I tried to open my email account to retrieve Telstra’s customer service number, my password wouldn’t work. Alert but not alarmed, I went to the Telstra site to find the number. I provided them with information and was told the matter was being referred to the fraud squad. There wasn’t much I could do, so I headed off. En route I…

Best friends Kate Jones and Mandy Hose crossed their fingers, took a deep breath and did what comes naturally – they poured their hearts out. It was 2019 and the self-described “mediocre mums” boldly took to the airwaves from a humble studio set-up in Kate’s den, chatting, laughing and at times crying over the vagaries of daily life experienced by families with additional needs kids. It was their first podcast. “We know you’re only listening because you know us,” Kate joked at the time. “But soon we’ll be huge.” Little did she know. The pilot episode was cathartic for the mums who’d both endured a roller-coaster ride since the premature arrival of their respective twins in 2005, but neither imagined the vein they’d tap into, sharing their emotional and at…

Problem spot: Slackened skin Treatment: Ultraformer What it is: Ultrasound energy is delivered deep under the skin into the SMAS muscle (the same one doctors tighten during a facelift). The ultrasound stimulates the growth of new collagen over time, strengthening and toning the skin from within to make it look smoother and brighter. It also tightens the neck and chin area. What to expect: Once your face is marked up with removable pen, a cool gel is smoothed on skin and then a handheld device begins passing over the area. It’s like a gentle and fleeting snapping sensation. The jaw can feel a little ouch-y, but it passes quickly and deep-breathing helps. The lower-face, chin and neck area take about 30 minutes to treat. There’s no downtime, but the results require…

Darker lashes Revlon So Fierce! Big Bad Lash Mascara, $21.95, employs gentle technology that tints the lashes over seven days while enhancing them as well. Brighter skin Filorga Meso-Mask Smoothing Radiance Mask, $90, is a cult French mask with hyaluronic acid that reduces signs of fatigue. Fewer blemishes La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum Ultra Concentré, $59.95, has a blend of three acids to reduce the appearance of imperfections over time.…

By your late thirties or early forties, you could be undergoing a profound hormonal shift that affects your body and, more particularly, your brain, and that can feel bewildering, frustrating and liberating all at the same time. Even if you don’t have symptoms such as hot flushes, perimenopause is a critical window for health and an inflection point when small health problems can, if not addressed, amplify into larger and more permanent ones. The good thing about this window is that it’s also a time when small changes can pay big dividends for your future health. And one of the first steps is to address the way these hormonal changes impact your nervous system. For example, you may be noticing changes in how you handle stress, how deeply you sleep…

Double trouble We have yet another excellent reason to eat fruit. A new study has found people who consume two servings per day have 36 per cent lower odds of developing Type 2 diabetes than those who consume less than half a serving. try THIS Alarm bells Researchers have known for some time that there’s a correlation between sleep and mood – as has anyone who’s ever had a newborn in the house. For instance, night owls are twice as likely to suffer from depression as early risers; regardless of how long they sleep. Now, a genetic study of 840,000 people has found that shifting your sleep time forward by just an hour decreases the risk of major depression by 23 per cent. New health plan: Early to bed, early…

“Nothing’s more welcoming than coming home at the end of the day to the scents of slow cooking. Winter’s the time to bring this comfort and delight to family and friends.” Freekeh, grilled broccolini and parsley salad with preserved lemon yoghurt dressing SERVES 4-6 PREP + COOK TIME 1 HOUR 1 cup (200g) freekeh, rinsed 2 bunches broccolini, trimmed ⅓ cup (80ml) extra virgin olive oil ½ cup (140g) Greek yoghurt 1 tablespoon finely chopped preserved lemon rind 1 small (100g) red onion, sliced 100g Maggie Beer quince paste, diced ½ cup flat-leaf parsley leaves ½ cup round mint leaves 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 Place a medium saucepan of water over a high heat, add the freekeh and bring to the boil, then simmer, partially covered, for 15 minutes…

I love the way beetroot changes texture – soft and syrupy when baked, firm and al dente when thinly sliced and simply dressed. Indeed, it may surprise you to know it can be served raw! Some beets lend themselves better to this than others. If you can, find Bullseye or golden beets, which have a finer composition, or baby purple beets, which are less fibrous. Labneh is a wonderful way of using up yoghurt that’s on the turn, but use the freshest nuts and spices for rolling in that you can – or toast any that need a pick-me-up. Everything can be made in advance and assembled for serving, so this makes for a great bring-a-plate option for dinner parties. The interplay of sharp, sweet dressing, the crunch of beet…

Easy tomato & turn noodles  PREP + COOK TIME 15 MINUTES 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to drizzle 250g cherry tomatoes, halved 2 cloves garlic, crushed 75g packet 2-minute noodles 95g can tuna in olive oil, drained 50g baby spinach leaves finely grated lemon rind and juice, to serve 1 Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the tomatoes and garlic, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft. Add the noodles (discarding the flavour sachet) and ¾ cup (180ml) boiling water; bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute or until just tender. 2 Add the tuna and cook for 1 minute or until heated through. Toss with spinach and serve…

Silverbeet with pine nuts SERVES 4 AS A SIDE PREP + COOK TIME 20 MINUTES 500g silverbeet, washed and dried ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1 large (300g) red onion, sliced 1/3 cup (50g) raisins ½ cup (80g) pine nuts, toasted 1 Trim about 8cm of the stem ends from the silverbeet; discard ends. Chop remaining silverbeet coarsely, keeping leaves and remaining white stems separate. 2 Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat; cook the onion, stems of silverbeet and the raisins for 5 minutes. Add silverbeet leaves and cook, stirring, for 8 minutes or until tender and just wilted. Season with salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper. 3 Stir in toasted pine nuts and serve. Not suitable to freeze or microwave. from…

An army marches on its stomach, and ours are in for a treat. There are almost two dozen of us, women and men of all ages, lined up in our ‘combat fatigues’ – waterproof khaki dungarees with in-built gumboots. Our mission: to ‘soak up’ the atmosphere at “the only Salt Water Pavilion oyster tasting experience in the world”. “Forward the light brigade!” Thus begins our crusade. Into Coffin Bay’s waters we wade. Will we make it, we wonder? Splish, splash, squelch. The water rises over the gumboots. So far, so good – no one’s sprung a leak, no one’s socks are getting soaked. By the time we’re up to waist level, our apprehension has turned into giggles. Taking a dip in the sea without getting wet is fun. In no…

Debut author Hannah Bent was born and raised in Hong Kong. She studied film first in London and then in Australia, and completed a master’s in Creative Writing at Sydney’s University of Technology. “I’ve always been drawn to forms of creative expression, but I particularly love writing and the capacity words have to linger in one’s heart and mind long after they are read,” she tells The Weekly. When Things Are Alive They Hum took more than a decade to write, and in 2013 Hannah was awarded the Ray Koppe Young Writers’ Award for the novel as a work in progress. Hannah is currently working on her second novel.…

Zoom: Space Adventures by Susan Hayes, Walker Chunky board book with die-cuts. Watch astronaut Ava as she floats outside her craft, seeing supernova on her way home. Also … Zoom: Ocean Adventures. Fossils From Lost Worlds by Damien Laverdunt, Walker Fossils help us history-walk. Deinonychus, with its dinosaur’s body plus wings, lived 110 million years ago, found in the US in 1964. The Hatmakers by Tamzin Merchant, Penguin When Captain Hatmaker is lost at sea, daughter Dilly, 11, dispatches Pigeon Agatha with a note: Father, please find yourself at sea. “Now, we have to finish the ‘Concentration Hat’ for the King!”…

I was moved and felt empathy for Barbara Eckersley after reading of her mother’s struggle and the events that led to the tragic end to Mary’s life (A brilliant mother, AWW, July). My mother also suffers from the dreadful condition which robs beautiful, intelligent souls of their dignity and sucks the essence of who they are out of them. It seems Barbara dedicated her life to making her mother as comfortable as possible until the end. I hope Barbara and her family can move on, knowing Mary is at peace now.…

If I could invite anyone on my podcast it would be … Joe Biden,because I want to know what it feels like to become President after trying for the best part of four decades and more importantly, how he felt when he knew he had beaten Donald Trump. My motto is … in Tempestate Floresco. Latin for “I Flourish in the Storm”. I can’t live without … feeling useful. The last time I cried was … when Poh Ling Yeow exited MasterChef 2020. She tried to do too much and took yet another risk that didn’t pay off. If I was an emoji I would be … a cheerful round face with glasses. My karaoke song is … (Is This The Way To) Amarillo, sung like Tony Christie. My favourite…

It was the moment we had all been waiting for, Princes William and Harry reunited to honour their mother Diana, Princess of Wales on the day that would have been her 60th birthday. The brothers had announced their joint commission of a statue of their mother back in 2017, a year awash with Diana memories 20 years after her death, its tragedy as inconceivable and painful as ever. This was to be a joint project for Diana’s sons, who are both fierce guardians of their mother’s memory. According to Kensington Palace, “Prince William and Prince Harry wanted the statue to recognise her positive impact in the UK and around the world, and help future generations understand the significance of her place in history.” A small committee was formed including Diana’s…

In the Northern Rivers women are mobilising. The Women's Village Collective was created as a call to action to solve the current housing emergency and implement lasting systemic change for women and children. “We know the solutions because we have lived experience,” says spokeswoman Sama Balson. Suggestions include no-deposit housing loans and affordable “rent-to-own” plans to create long-term stable housing. Sama says more social housing needs to be constructed urgently because 10-year waits for government housing are not acceptable. She also believes that equitable superannuation and free or affordable childcare would help. “This housing insecurity is debilitating, it is causing mental health issues, but these are incredibly resilient women and if they’re given opportunity and a safe home, they can thrive.”…

Anne Summers’ motley history with birth control was much like other Australian women’s prior to the Pill. “There was no birth control as such for we teenagers, the Aussie trailblazer and author tells The Weekly. “It was ‘withdrawal and hope for the best’, with many days or even weeks of crippling anxiety while we waited for our periods to arrive. “If they did not arrive, the desperation of a girl in that situation is unimaginable today. The shame was scarifying and there were only three options: 1. A shotgun marriage (I had several friends whose lives changed forever that way); 2. Being bundled off in shame to a ‘home for unmarried mothers’ to have a baby and be forced to give it up for adoption; 3. An abortion, which was…

Esther Freud confesses she has no idea what prompted her mother to leave England with her two young daughters in tow to swap their suburban existence for 1960s Morocco. “My mother was always full of adventure, loved to travel and loved other worlds,” she recalls. “We’d moved out of London by that time and my parents were separated. Her best friend had gone off to India with her little girl, who is still my best friend. She was the only other unmarried teenager my mother met when they were these two pregnant girls, and I feel that must have influenced her. “But it’s so frustrating. Even though I spoke to my mother all the time about everything, I didn’t ever ask her specifically that question: ‘What was it that made…

In November 1952, Maria Callas was invited by Sir David Webster of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, to give five performances of Norma. She held a high D for 12 beats, inspiring critics to call her “the most exciting singer on the stage today”. Opera magazine wrote, “Callas held her audience in abject slavery.” Until then, she had immersed herself in the vocal techniques of opera. Now she wanted to physically embody its heroines. She said, “You can’t portray a beautiful young woman if you’re enormous.” A forthcoming production of Medea at La Scala was her incentive: she wanted a sharp chin “for expression in certain very hard phrases, cruel phrases or tense phrases”. In early 1954, Maria visited a Swiss clinic run by Dr Paul Niehans, a pioneer…

Get the look…

The first time I had the ‘triangle of youth’ explained by a dermatologist, it fell on deaf ears, as I was a few months shy of my 25th birthday. Put simply, the doctor explained to little me that a youthful face is made up of three attributes: high cheekbones, full cheeks and (“most importantly,” she said) a well-defined jawline. As we age, the triangle inverts. Fast-forward 20 years, and I can see this as plainly as the jowls on my face. “Our face shape changes as we lose collagen and elastin, our facial soft tissue drops and there is bone resorption,” says Dr Shyamalar Gunatheesan, founding dermatologist of ODE Dermatology in Melbourne. It’s a perfect storm for sagging. And increasingly, doctors, dermal technicians and cosmetic chemists are focusing their efforts on…

PEPTIDES The patented peptides in Estée Lauder’s Perfectionist Pro Rapid Firm + Lift Treatment, $122, boost collagen and elastin production, and have been shown to help skin look firmer overtime, while AHAs work double-time to boost radiance. Another option: Dr Roebuck’s Ningaloo Firming Serum, $98, is a clean formula with copper peptides and Australian botanicals. HYALURONIC ACID Skin is only as firm as it’s hydrated, which is why the secret weapon in Kate Somerville Kateceuticals Firming Serum, $149, has super-hydrating hyaluronic acid to help skin retain moisture and appear firmer. We also love La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum, $69.95, with its water-gel texture that delivers a healthy glow. RETINOL Research has shown time and again that a regular dose of Vitamin A helps skin behave younger, as it boosts collagen…

Just IN Curl revelation Bread Beauty Supply is a range of natural essentials designed for curly or Afro-textured hair. Created by Australian Maeva Heim, the range has a cult following overseas, and includes Hair-Wash ($31), a sulphate-free cleanser with aloe vera; Hair-Mask ($43), a creamy, deep conditioner with Kakadu Plum seed oil; and Hair-Oil Everyday Gloss (below, $37), which gives curls a light-reflecting sheen. Winter glow Add radiance to your make-up regimen by adding a few drops of Pai The Impossible Glow ($59) to your favourite moisturiser; or dabbing Chantecaille’s Liquid Lumière ($67) on your cheeks and brow bones. Ingredient WAT C H BHAs For radiant skin, exfoliating acids are essential. And if your skin is prone to bumps or clogged pores, try BHAs (beta hydroxy acids). enefits: BHAs are…

Listen in The mindfulness app Calm is well known for offering guided relaxation sessions for all levels, but we love the walking meditations that blend exercise with stress reduction. Be present According to headspace.com (a great resource for relaxation), one of the simplest ways to get out of your head is to notice how your body feels as you walk. Contemplate your gait. Tune into sights and sounds around you. And as your mind drifts, return to these observations. Think big “Setting intentions when we walk can help us remember that we have some control around our choices and their outcomes,” says Dr Allen. For example, “I intend to see the goodness around me,” or “I intend to say what I mean”. “The forward movement of walking always leaves me feeling…

Magnesium Research shows that magnesium can normalise the action of different hormones on the central nervous system. Sources include nuts, dark chocolate and leafy green vegetables – but it’s hard to get enough when you’re stressed, because your body pees out magnesium to rev up your nervous system. Take at least 300mg of elemental magnesium – preferably as magnesium glycinate powder. Zinc One of my favourite supplements for mood symptoms, zinc dials down cortisol and helps to regulate the HPA axis. Because it’s great for skin, hair and the vaginal epithelium, it can improve both complexion and vaginal dryness. The best form is zinc citrate or picolinate taken directly after food. Doses of up to 30mg are safe; don’t take more than 80mg per day for more than three months…

August 2-8 Dental Health Week is here to remind the 20 per cent of adults who only brush once daily that you need to practise good oral hygiene for lifelong teeth. Visit ada. org.au/dental-healthweek-2020 for more info. August 2-8 For National Stroke Week, learn the F.A.S.T (Face. Arms. Speech. Time) early warning signs of stroke. Simply follow the prompts and sign up for your free Stroke Week kit at strokefoundation.org.au/ what-we-do. August 13 Help prevent children’s lives from being cut short, and support grieving families on Red Nose Day. Discover how at rednoseday.org.au.…

Prawn linguine All day dreaming of the weekend. Are we there yet? If prawn linguine is printed on a menu, it’s Saturday lunchtime and you are dining with friends, I can almost guarantee you should text the babysitter now and ask how much later they can really stay after the agreed time. If it is, in fact, a Wednesday when you are making this, then you are already checking out of the work week and into the weekend. You should text people now and make some plans. Coconut chilli wings This is one of those recipes that just created itself. Deep from the basement of my brain, all the ingredients and ideas for this dish peered out from behind their hiding spot with squinting eyes and ventured into the open.…

Earl Grey bomboloni with lemon curd MAKES 25 PREP + COOK TIME 1 HOUR (+ REFRIGERATION & STANDING TIME) These little Italian doughnuts are a great start if you are new to making doughnuts. Lemon curd isn’t hard to make either; however there’s a fine line between getting it thick enough to coat the spoon generously, and not allowing it to boil. 80g unsalted butter 1 cup (250ml) milk 3 teaspoons (10g) dried yeast ¼ cup (55g) caster sugar 2 Earl Grey tea bags 3 cups (450g) plain flour ½ teaspoon table salt 2 egg yolks vegetable oil, for deep-frying 1 cup (220g) caster sugar, extra LEMON CURD ¾ cup (165g) caster sugar 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon rind ½ cup (125ml) lemon juice 4 eggs, beaten lightly 150g cold…

Sweet dreams Having trouble falling asleep? Try misting your pillow with a lavender oil spray (from supermarkets) before you get into bed. Don’t throw away plastic containers whose lids have broken or disappeared: repurpose them as drawer (or fridge) organisers for small items or make-up. Cling to this To prevent static in dry winter weather, rub lightly lotioned hands over your pants or pantyhose to prevent shirts or dresses from clinging. Lightbulb moment If it’s hard to see inside dark wardrobes or cupboards, try stick-on battery-powered or rechargeable LED lights – they’re inexpensive and easy to install. Child’s play Use painter’s tape to outline ‘roads’ for toy cars on your hard floor or carpet– keeps small children amused and can be removed easily. Crafty kids When long-distance driving with kids,…

The Making of Mrs Petrakis by Mary Karras, Two Roads A fearless but aromatic story of Maria Petrakis’ bakery in Harringay, London – the heart of the Greek Cypriot community who fled war in their homeland. Maria escaped a violent marriage, and daughter Katerina died, survived by round-bellied brother Costa, hand outstretched for café leftovers. When Elena, 19, walks into her shop, Maria sees one word: daughter-in-law. With baby number two on the way, Costa’s love for his wife grows, but “his understanding of her diminishes”. Elena feels cursed by the death of Katerina. Karras warms us with the honey, cinnamon and rosewater delicacies as the till hums in her cosy bakery, but the sweetmeats are a cover for a people ravaged by civil war and family loss in 1974…

I learned about my mother’s disappearance from the evening news. I looked up from my textbook when I overheard my surname and recognised the exact cypress tree that grew outside my bedroom window. From that point on, my life turned into a stream of simple equations. How long my mother had been missing (one day). How long since I’d had an actual conversation with her (just over a year). The cost of a bus ticket back to Coeur du Lac, my adopted hometown ($15). The amount left in my bank account after spending fifteen dollars ($110.67). How doomed I would be if I abandoned Chicago for longer than three nights (very: I had four exams looming within the next few weeks). For a while I lost myself in these calculations…

Leo Jul 24 - Aug 23 Roll out the long red carpet, uncork the sparkling wine and sound the trumpets, please – it’s Leo birthday time! To a backing track of “simply the best, better than all the rest”, August ensures your majesties are the epicentre of attention, strutting your stuff and shaking your mane (yes, your hair is looking fabulous). The annual new moon in Leo on August 8 sashays down the astral catwalk with permission to shamelessly self-promote. And Mercury in your sign until mid-month deals you the charm card, though you’ll need to back your enthusiasm with well-researched facts and a workable plan. Also, take care not to over-promise. Virgo Aug 24 - Sep 23 Affectionate Venus and sexy Mars doing a pas de deux in your…