Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2021 i The Australian Women's Weekly

Have you Heard? Amber Heard, 35, has revealed she had a baby via surrogacy, saying Oonagh Paige is “the beginning of the rest of my life”. A new Abbott Tony Abbott’s daughter Frances has welcomed a son, Ernest, who her husband, Sam, said was “brought into existence with breathing, coconut water and heart”. Durie’s #Dadlife Celeb gardener Jamie Durie has a baby girl and he is smitten. Jamie hasn’t been able to stop posting photos of his angel, Beau, saying, “My heart is overflowing.”…

The swirl of brilliant colours on the Cannes red carpet lifted our spirits but the hue that had us cheering the most was grey. Andie MacDowell was a vision with steely streaks through her signature curls, revealing she stopped dyeing her hair on the advice of her daughter. Jodie Foster had subtle strands of silver framing her face and Queen Helen Mirren glowed, crowned with a white up-do.…

When Pamela Rabe (right) landed an audition for the role of Joan “The Freak” Ferguson on a re-envisioned take on classic Aussie drama Prisoner, she squealed. Not the reaction you’d expect from the acclaimed actress, but given Wentworth would go on to run for nine seasons, win multiple awards and air in 173 countries, perhaps it’s understandable. This month, the series ends its run. And while fans are bereft – cast too – Pamela promises the final scenes will prove the pay-off viewers have come to expect from the show. “I couldn’t envision any better ending that what the writers’ produced,” she tells The Weekly. Those final scenes were shot during lockdown in Melbourne earlier this year. “There were so many protocols that had to be adhered to while all…

What a year it’s been! When Grace Tame stood up to accept her award as Australian of the Year, it was a galvanising moment in a remarkable 12 months for women in Australia and the world over. Indeed Grace, who was recognised for her courage and tenacity in advocating on behalf of survivors of childhood sexual abuse, stood out from an all-women field. In 2021, our Australian of the Year, our Senior Australian, our Young Australian and our Local Hero are all women. And that’s just the start. The past year has seen joyous highs like Ash Barty’s gutsy win at Wimbledon as well as moving, historic moments. The first female Vice-President of the United States, Kamala Harris, was sworn in at an inauguration where the new President was upstaged…

Nowra is an idyllic town nestled among the flourishing waratahs and majestic gums of the NSW south coast. But just a few kilometres away lies an unsignposted dirt road that leads to a dark and desolate place. Huge steel gates guard the entrance to a compound, its perimeter cordoned off by barbed wire fences. Though anyone happening by would wonder why so much trouble has been taken to protect this patch of land – a desiccated dust bowl strewn with a few derelict caravans. For more than a decade, the followers of a man named William Kamm lived here while they awaited the end of the world. Food and warm clothes were stockpiled. Every six months they taped black plastic over their windows, fearing the sight of devils walking across…

Everyone in the small northwest Queensland region around Gregory has a story about the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). It’s their general practitioner, their emergency response and their mental health support. So when it was determined that the organisation needed an upgraded clinic, the local women stepped in to help. The Gregory branch of the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) not only raised more than $50,000 to create a fit-for-purpose medical clinic – with separate consulting rooms for a doctor, a nurse and a psychologist – but now organises a roster to clean it. And together with local Merv Bird the CWA also ferries the medicos around town each time they come and sources materials…

Snugly wrapped up in a fluffy pink coat, ensconced on her couch in Sydney’s eastern suburbs with a steaming mug of tea and a slumbering dog by her side, Jessica Mauboy is the picture of bliss. Waving off her fiancé, Themeli ‘Them’ Magripilis, as he heads downstairs to catch up on overdue paperwork, she leans in eagerly, ready to share her happiness with The Weekly – albeit over Zoom. We’ve been trying to arrange a catch-up with the singer for weeks, with the COVID shutdown scuppering many well-laid plans, but finally here we are face-to-face in our new digital world. And it’s fair to say that lockdown suits Jess. “For me it’s been a really mindful process,” she says of the enforced break which has seen gigs and travel plans…

To get there, you fly out across the desert, and then keep flying some more. Six hours in the air across shifting sand in all its gradients of reds and browns; all its shapes, patterns and ridges. Until you arrive at one of the most isolated places on the continent: Birdsville, on the edge of the Simpson Desert, literally in the middle of nowhere. The frontier town, with a population of 140 people, sits in an overwhelmingly flat, empty, red landscape that stretches unchanging to the horizon. But this is no ordinary flight to Birdsville. There are hatboxes in the luggage coming off the plane. There are campfires along the road into town and along the Diamantina River. It is the first weekend in September and the 137th Birdsville Races…

In this NSW country town, locals have set out to heal generations of heartache with kindness and hope. Aunty Ruth Dunn sits by a crackling fire, lit by her grandson to warm the house before she was even out of bed. There’s a chill in the air this morning in Bellbrook, a tiny town of roughly 300 people beside the wide, green Macleay River near Kempsey, on the mid-north coast of NSW. Ruth was born here, 65 years ago, amid the green hills that roll from Barralbarayi, or Sugarloaf Mountain, down to the sea. And she’s lived here in the Nulla Aboriginal Community for most of her life, watching the land and the people change for both better and worse. “When I was growing up,” she says, “the people were…

Acclaimed author Tom Keneally has won several of the world’s highest literary honours so when he emails to confirm his interview with The Weekly, it is unsurprising the brief note is charming and illuminating. He is answering on behalf of a publicist who is home-schooling a daughter Tom affectionately describes as a reincarnation of Catherine the Great. “She no sooner begins a lesson than the child wants to capture Central Asia,” he writes, and you can practically hear his crackling roar of a laugh, transmitted via email. That one sentence gives a preview of the man who has shaped modern literature in Australia and beyond: kind, funny and deeply concerned with history. Tom is one of Australia’s most prolific and celebrated authors, best known for Schindler’s Ark, which became the…

1 BEST FOR HYDRATION: The fast-absorbing CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $29.99, has a lightweight gel texture that hydrates while controlling shine. 2 BEST FOR CLARIFYING: Beta hydroxy acids in Biossance’s Pore-Minimising Toner, $42, manages excess oil and unclogs pores; squalane delivers moisture. 3 BEST FOR DAYTIME SHINE: The Ordinary’s High-Adherence Silicone Primer, $8.80, has cult-status for keeping make-up in place, ensuring shine isn’t an issue, and hydrating.…

The experts agree – there isn’t enough evidence to show glucosamine assists with OA pain, though physio Tom Sheehan, of Northside Sports Physiotherapy, says some patients found it helpful. “About 50 per cent of OA patients take glucosamine, spending about $50 per month that would be better spent on something more effective, like a strength program,” suggests Professor Hunter. In their review, Professor Hunter and his colleagues found supplements Boswellia, Pycnogenol, MSM and curcumin “appear to have a modest effect”, but the quality of trials isn’t great so far. Watch this space.…

Once again, all roads in wellbeing seem to lead us to the gut. There is clear evidence that people with diverse microbiomes have the best-quality sleep, as detailed by Dr Michael Mosley in his excellent book, Fast Asleep. “What all the research suggests is that boosting the good bugs in your microbiome is beneficial for your body and brain, and also has significant impact on the quality of your sleep,” he writes. That means eating as many different types of plants as possible, wholegrain and fermented foods too.…

For vegetarians, when buying cheese, check the label to ensure the brands you buy are suitable – look for the use of non-animal rennet. The lemon juice in the pesto will discolour the mixture quickly, so it’s best to use the pesto as soon as possible. Do Ahead If you need to make the pesto ahead of time, simply omit the lemon juice when preparing it in step 3, then store, covered tightly, in the fridge. When ready, stir the lemon juice into the pesto and continue with the recipe from step 4. Chicken supremes are the chicken breast and first wing joint attached with the skin; if you can’t find them at the markets, visit your local butcher. Chicken can be marinated a day ahead of cooking. Brown the…

Store the chutney unopened in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Once opened, use within a week or two. If blood oranges are not available, use regular oranges. Blood orange juice is available from selected greengrocers. You could try pomegranate juice for a change. With thanks to LuvaBerry, a Queensland family-owned farm for the fresh strawberries for our photo shoot. luvaberry.com.au We used a mandolin to slice the onion very finely. You could try freshly cooked prawns in this recipe in place of the smoked fish. Scruffins are a cross between a scone and a muffin. They are not overly sweet as we served them with pan jam. If serving them just as they are, you could increase the sugar a little. Stand until the chocolate mixture has cooled and…

Lentil & pickled fennel goat’s cheese salad SERVES 4 PREP + COOK TIME 30 MINUTES 1 cup (200g) dried French-style green lentils ⅓ cup (80ml) extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 2 medium beurre bosc pears (480g), sliced thinly lengthways 1 cup (100g) walnuts, roasted 150g soft goat’s cheese, crumbled ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped coarsely ½ teaspoon dried chilli flakes PICKLED FENNEL 1 large fennel bulb (550g) 1 tablespoon sea salt flakes ⅓ cup (80ml) white wine vinegar 2 teaspoons caster sugar 1 Place lentils and 3 cups (750 ml) cold water in a medium saucepan; bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low; cook, partially covered by a lid, for 12 minutes or until lentils are tender and water is absorbed. Remove…

Our walls are the biggest spaces in our homes and a wallpaper in a bold print, fabric or colour will make a massive impact. Natalie Aquilina, owner of Natty and Polly Wallpaper (nattyandpolly.com.au) gives her fail-proof guide to hanging your own. 1 Lay out your wallpaper onto a trestle table and cut the first length to your ceiling height plus an extra 10cm for trimming. 2 Mark a single straight line on the wall using a level. Once you have this single straight line it will ensure all your drops are installed evenly. Apply your paste to the wall using a roller or large brush (the width of one strip at a time). 34 Stick the paper to the pasted wall, ensuring the edge is in line with the straight…

If trees and hedges form the structure of a garden, then shrubs are the filling required to make it all look like a garden. Shrubs provide substance and are often used as a backdrop to smaller feature plants. Without shrubs the garden looks incomplete – they are a vital layer needed to construct a good garden. For this reason they are nearly always evergreen. Shrubs play a crucial role during the winter months when perennials are cut down and many of the trees and hedges are devoid of their foliage. Shrubs have long been slaves to gardening fashions. Camellias and azaleas were the first choice during the last century. If a particular type of shrub was a favourite of your parents or grandparents, you might find them old-fashioned and want…

HISTORICAL ROMANCE The Riviera House by Natasha Lester, Hachette There’s an aching inevitability to author Natasha Lester’s densely plotted new novel that leaves you almost as breathless as its colourful tapestry of lead characters. Early on we suspect that our heroine, Éliane Dufort, is not going to make it, but we so want her to and hang on every twist hoping she can come through – life, love, family intact. It’s 1939 and as the Nazis cut a swathe through Europe, France battles on, praying Hitler won’t invade. In Paris Éliane works at the Louvre, where she also attends art classes. She is the eldest sister in a large family in which she also fulfils a matriarchal role for her worn-out mother but dearly longs to be an artist like…

The Last of the Apple Blossom by Mary-Lou Stephens, HQ Huon Valley, Tas, and schoolteacher Catherine finds her family home and orchard burnt down. Palace of the Drowned by Christine Mangan, Little, Brown Following a disastrous review of her new novel and a scandal, Frances escapes to Venice hoping to rekindle the magic that created her debut work. The Husbands by Chandler Baker, Hachette Nora can’t believe it when she joins a community where the men share the work. But this Stepford-hubby world is not all it seems. Loving Lizzie March by Susannah Hardy, Pan Macmillan Lizzie March falls unexpectedly pregnant from a one-night stand and then falls for the arrogant bad boy Luke who is responsible. The 22 Murders of Madison May by Max Barry, Hachette A killer tracks…

“It was the most incredible feeling I’ve ever experienced on a tennis court,” is how newly-crowned Wimbledon champion Ash Barty described the moment she realised she’d won the Grand Slam event. Ash, 25, claimed victory over Karolína Plíšková 10 years after winning the Wimbledon girls’ singles title, and 50 years after mentor and friend Evonne Goolagong Cawley won. Ash’s dress was inspired by the outfit Evonne wore when she won Wimbledon in 1971. “I hope I made Evonne proud,” Ash said.…

TV personality Barry Du Bois has announced he will be running as an independent candidate for the Senate in the next federal election. The father of two said he was motivated to run because he wanted to leave the world a better place for the next generation. Barry said he had taken on other impossible tasks and won. In 2010 he was diagnosed with a cancer of the immune system. “Three years ago they gave me five years to live. That is not my sentence; I will be here as long as it takes to do what I have to do,” he told The Daily Telegraph.…

The Newsreader Set in fictional TV newsroom News at Six, this six-part drama showcases the roller-coaster ride many women – and, indeed, men – had when attempting to find a credible place on air. Anna Torv (above) stars. From August 15, 8.30pm on ABC and ABC iview. Chapelwaite Adrien Brody (right) helms this spine-tingling series, based on a short novel by Stephen King. After the death of his wife, Captain Charles Boone relocates with his children to his ancestral home in the small town of Preacher’s Corner. Once there, horrifying family secrets emerge. Streaming from August 23 on Stan. Sparking Joy Marie Kondo (right) returns, this time helping three businesses – and their employees –overhaul their homes, offices and relationships. Streaming from August 31 on Netflix. Clickbait Created by Tony…

It was Day 3 of the Tokyo Olympic Games when it suddenly occurred to many Australians that a new “Age of the Golden Girls” might be dawning. Hot on the heels of a world-record-breaking 4x100m freestyle win by Emma McKeon, Cate Campbell, Bronte Campbell and Meg Harris, Ariarne Titmus produced one of the great moments in Australian Olympic history, beating US legend Katie Ledecky in the 400m freestyle final. From there poured a deluge of gold. As had happened in Melbourne in 1956, Australia’s mounting medal tally was being powered largely by the sisterhood. Back then, it had been Golden Girls Betty Cuthbert, Dawn Fraser and Shirley Strickland. This time around, it was Emma, Ariarne and Kaylee McKeown. Dawn Fraser’s famous 1956 comment that “Australian women have always been gutsier…

Dear readers, I am excited and very grateful to have taken on this role as patron of The Australian Women’s Weekly’s Women of the Future Awards. There has never been a more important time to accelerate the careers and encourage the ambitions of young women leaders. We find ourselves in an era of mass change, and we need women’s wisdom and voices and ideas to shape our future. In just the last few years, so many of the structures, assumptions and beliefs that have traditionally held women and girls back have begun to crumble. And whilst gender inequality continues in some areas, this era is opening new horizons for women to explore every day. The opportunities these Awards present are immense, not just for the winner, but also for the…

Fifteen years ago, while researching her ancestry, Sarah Ferguson stumbled upon a distant relative she just had to get to know. Her name was Margaret – Sarah’s middle name– she had flaming red hair and a refreshingly feisty disposition. As she delved more into the archives, the Duchess of York felt an uncanny affinity with this woman – actually her great-great aunt, daughter of the very aristocratic Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch who mingled with the court of Queen Victoria, and was evidently quite a live wire. But the records proved scant and could only tell her so much, which is where Sarah’s fertile imagination and passion for storytelling kicked in. Her Heart for a Compass is the result, the Duchess’s first attempt at novel writing which is being published…

Berrima Blakeney had been labouring for three days. She was in pain and hadn’t slept. The 22-year-old woman from Nowra, NSW, had had enough. She called her midwife, Melanie Briggs, to help organise a plan – an induction, a Caesarean, anything to have her baby out quickly and safely. “Mel said, ‘Let’s go for a walk, let’s go for a swim’,” Berrima remembers. “I really didn’t want to do any of those things, but as soon as she came over, it just seemed easy. It just seemed like the right thing to do.” They ended up swimming in the ocean. It was high tide and there was no one around except Berrima and her supporters. “As soon as I walked onto the sand, I just felt relief. I had so…

Kate Seselja is impeccably groomed and happily married. Family photos line the walls of her beautiful home with views over Canberra wine country and she receives requests from around the world to speak or run workshops. It’s a far cry from nine years ago when Kate sat, mute with shock, contemplating suicide after another catastrophic pokies loss. “Only the fact I was pregnant and couldn’t think how to do it without hurting my baby stopped me,” she says. “It was my darkest day.” Kate began casually gambling on the pokies in her teens, to be with her boyfriend, and almost immediately won $1000. “I thought: ‘Wow! That was easy. Why would anyone do anything else?’” she recalls. “I went from playing with him to playing alone quite quickly.” Her peers…

On a cold early spring morning in March 1942, Magda Hellinger’s kindergarten was its usual hive of activity, parents dropping their children, hanging bags and removing thick, snow-dusted coats. However, on this day there was just one topic of conversation. During the night, notices had been plastered up all over their town of Michalovce, in eastern Czechoslovakia. The signs declared that all unmarried Jewish women aged 16 or over were to report to the town hall that evening. Most of the kindergarten’s staff fell into this category, as did 25-year-old Magda. Magda wasn’t too concerned. Her kindergarten was the only one in town, so she should qualify for an exemption. When she got home that night, she tried to mollify her anxious mother. If the worst happened, she would join…

In 1956, when I was a college photographer, I had seen her angelic face on the cover of Time magazine. It had never even occurred to me that I might get a chance to photograph the star who was every man’s – and woman’s – fantasy. But now, four years later, Look magazine had hired me to do just that. In a few minutes, I’d be meeting the Marilyn Monroe, face-to-face, on the set of Let’s Make Love. Somewhere in the distance I could hear music and the sound of someone singing. Then, suddenly, the music stopped and as if out of nowhere Marilyn appeared. There she was wearing a black leotard and sheer black stockings, her face as soft as a silk bedsheet but her expression saying she’s unapproachable.…

Get BUFFED Body scrubs If you don’t scrub your body once or twice a week, this might be a beauty step worth adding to your weekly routine. Here’s why it’s an essential: first, it feels so good to manually clean yourself with those skin-buffing grains. Next, the scent: our favourite scrubs smell like spring gardens, cocktails and even treats from the corner store. Finally, while it certainly feels indulgent, there is necessary work being done, as those teeny particles slough away dead cells, fade patchy self-tanner, scare away in-growns and brighten your body. Chest wrinkles This clever patch is made from medical-grade silicone, which has been shown to smooth out wrinkles. The adhesive sheet is worn while you sleep and you’ll get up to 30 uses from each one. TRY:…

“Shampooing is one of the most effective ways to maintain scalp health.”– trichologist Lisa Caddy My scalp, until recently, was a hot mess. You know that scene from The Breakfast Club, where Ally Sheedy’s character decorates her art work with dandruff? It’s triggering. I shamefully sweep away flakes at the end of Pilates. I apologise to my hairdresser as they drag their comb through my dark, wet hair and reveal my dirty little secret. I anxiously dust off my coat, and I’m not alone. Just last week a friend, who assumed my job means I can solve all beauty woes, said quietly: “My scalp is having a breakout.” Underneath her mass of curls lurked itchy, flaky patches that were driving her nuts. “Want to see?” she asked desperately. Pass. I…

We all know that person: the one who happily skips through life with amazing opportunities constantly falling into their lap. Perfect husband? Tick. Great job? Tick. Fabulous friendship circle? Tick, tick, tick. And there’s another person we all know. The one who can’t catch a break. Whose tales of woe come one after the other, leaving behind a trail of tears. But what if you could choose which one of those people YOU are? “People are not born lucky,” says Professor Richard Wiseman in his bestselling book, The Luck Factor. “Instead, without realising it, lucky people are using four basic principles to create good fortune in their lives.” The British experimental psychologist became engrossed in the mechanics of luck, and spent many years trying to understand why fortune smiles on…

Diary Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week September 6-10 If self-care has been a low priority this year, Women’s Health Week is a great way to turn that around. This nationwide campaign of events and online activities includes daily emails, videos, recipes, quizzes, articles and tools for improving health. The trustworthy information is reviewed by Jean Hailes’ expert medical team. Sign up at womenshealthweek.com.au ANXIETY HELPER Weighted blanleetr  Weighing between 7kg and 10kg, weighted blankets have been used in the care community for years, where they’ve proved beneficial for people living with autism and ADHD. Now, their use has become more widespread, as those with high stress or anxiety benefit from the sense of calm a heavy blanket is purported to instil. The blankets usually have small plastic pellets or glass…

Street corn & rocket salad SERVES 4-6 PREP & COOK TIME 30 MINUTES 1 tablespoon Tabasco chipotle sauce 3 teaspoons lime juice ½ clove garlic, crushed 300g sour cream 2 tablespoons pepitas (pumpkin seed kernels) ½ teaspoon smoked paprika ½ teaspoon ground cumin 6 corn cobs (1.5kg), husk and silk removed 2 bunches (250g) rocket, trimmed, chopped coarsely ½ cup (40g) finely grated parmesan 125g fetta, crumbled 1 long green chilli, sliced very thinly 1 Stir the chipotle sauce, lime juice, garlic and sour cream in a small bowl until a smooth drizzling consistency. Season with salt flakes. 2 Heat a small frying pan over medium heat; add pepitas and stir for 30 seconds or until they start to pop. Add paprika and cumin; stir for a further 15 seconds…

The vitamins and nutrients in strawberries prevent amino acids forming in your blood, which can damage arteries. Eating strawberries helps deliver nutrients to your brain, producing serotonin and dopamine, hormones that help calm and soothe us, and keep us relaxed and cheerful. Strawberries are high in folate, which is important for mums-to-be as well as general good health and energy production and helps reduce winter sniffles. They’re also great for boosting immunity. The vitamin C in strawberries helps boost the immune system and helps in curing common coughs and colds. A single serving has approximately 150% of your daily requirement of vitamin C!…

Beef & barley soup SERVES 4 PREP + COOK TIME 2 HOURS 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1kg diced beef chuck steak 1 large (200g) brown onion, chopped coarsely 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 stalks celery (300g), trimmed, chopped coarsely 1 large (180g) carrot, sliced ½ cup (100g) pearl barley 1.5 litres (6 cups) water 2 cups (500ml) beef stock 3 cups (250g) coarsely shredded cavolo nero (Tuscan cabbage) 3/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 1 Heat oil in a large saucepan, cook beef over high heat, until well browned all over. Remove from pan. 2 Reduce heat to medium; add onion, garlic, celery and carrot to same pan, cook, stirring, about 5 minutes or until vegetables begin to soften. Season to taste with sea salt flakes and…

There is something so wonderful about letting go of a preconceived idea or an ego that can be attached to the expectation of a meal. One of my favourite food memories is with good friend and mentor, chef Damien Pignolet, sitting at his table in conversation whilst the waft of caramelised butter and tarragon spills out into the dining room as we talk about upcoming menus, life and love. It’s a menu that I quite often revisit, not just because of flavours and textures but for a time when I broke bread with one of my dearest friends and talked about anything and everything. It’s here that I realised “it’s not what’s on the table but who was in the seats”. The following recipe reflects that moment, and in the…

Whether you’re looking to find a way to rid your clothes of creases, a fuss-free way to sanitise school uniforms and sporting kit, or wanting to rid your knits and coats from any lingering storage odours, this innovative slim-line laundry appliance has got you covered. The LG Styler Steam Clothing Care System comes with a multitude of functions from gentle dry, special care, crease aid and an all-important sanitary function.…

1. Many shrubs are sensitive to position – keep this in mind as you choose a shrub for a full sun, partial shade or full shade position. 2. Make sure your shrub is not going to grow too large for its position. Nothing looks worse than shrubs that have been over-pruned to fit a small space. 3. Remember that shrubs provide a vital strength and substance to a garden bed, so allow enough width in the garden bed to accommodate them. 4. If you are going to grow a shrub as a feature plant rather than as a background plant en masse, be particularly careful when you’re at the nursery to select one with a strong, well-pruned shape. AWW…

Natasha Lester was born in Perth, where she lives with her husband, three children and two chickens. “My first novel was rejected by agents and publishers. However, they gave me feedback about what I could work on to make it a better book.” After 13 redrafts “my dream of a being a novelist came true,” says Natasha, who won an award for an unpublished manuscript. Today her novels are bestsellers and when she’s not researching and writing, like Remy in The Riviera House, Natasha collects vintage fashion. Her next story is set in Paris at Maison Christian Dior in 1947.…

Evie and the Bushfire by Becky Westbrook, Stormbird Press Evie is half sea eagle spirit. When a bushfire destroys homes, she loses her spirit. But the firemen are courageous and locals resilient. Celebrating community spirit. What Do You Call Your Grandma? by Ashleigh Barton, ABC Books Francesca eats Nonna’s spaghetti. Ahmed watches football with Bibi in Africa. Liam’s Jaja hangs washing in the NT where the Warlpiri people live. Masters of Disguise by Marc Martin, Penguin The animals hidden inside have brilliant ways of staying safe and out of sight. The Spiny Leaf Insect has a peanut butter-like smell to us, but smells awful to predators!…

As soon as the August edition hit our letterbox, my husband was the first to retrieve it. With a cuppa in hand, his head buried in the magazine, it made me think I should purchase two copies instead of one. Your coverage of celebrities such as Maggie Tabberer (Maggie, AWW, August) is commendable. I was equally captivated with the article on Aussie women forced to live in campervans (Nomadland, Australia, AWW, August). Their courage to share those stories should not be underestimated. Well done! Glandore, SA…

The person who makes me laugh most is … Hamish Blake. Particularly during our podcast, Hamish & Andy. It’s my favourite time of the week. The most unlikely job I was ever offered was … an accountancy role. I was good at accounting but it seems at odds with where I’ve ended up today. My guilty pleasure is … Law & Order: SVU. Bec (my girlfriend) and I love them. You’d be surprised to know I … can play the didgeridoo (running off to see if he still can. It’s been some time). The one thing I’d never do on TV is … perform a medical operation. Mainly because I have no skills and would likely harm someone gravely. My karaoke song is … Your Song by Elton John. The…

A day is a very long time in the current news cycle surrounding the royal family, and since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved their family to the US, the constantly analysed narrative of brothers at war and of the monarchy exposed feels almost overwhelming. There’s no denying these are landmark times. The Queen is 95 and despite showing an infectious passion for her public role, the passing of Prince Philip, the patriarchal head of the House of Windsor and a calm source of experience, advice and reason, is significant. If we’ve learned one thing from the current slew of revelations from Prince Harry and Meghan, it is that being a royal isn’t as enviable as it may appear. Behind the palaces and privilege is a predestined work life…

Picture the scene. We’re in the tiny country town of Kilkivan in Queensland’s Gympie region and at the end of a dusty driveway “that seemed to stretch forever”, a precocious seven-year-old clicks ‘record’ on her dad’s dictaphone as she rushes around the house interviewing members of the family. Our intrepid cub reporter would hum the ABC news musical fanfare and proclaim in as deeper voice as her developing vocal cords could muster: “Here we are, it’s the seven o’clock news and Mr Whipam, what have you got to say?” as she held the recording device under the nose of her younger sister, Trudi. “I couldn’t even pronounce Whitlam, that’s how young I am,” explains Lisa. “Then Trudi would start talking in this very deep voice. We only knew that men…

Inside 10 Downing Street, the elegant Westminster townhouse that serves as the heart of Britain’s government, staffers were crisis-fighting on all fronts. COVID was raging, a painstakingly negotiated Brexit deal was unravelling, the Chancellor of the Exchequer had just quit over a personality clash, and from down the corridor came a cry of despair: “She’s completely out of control. It’s costing me tens of thousands. I can’t afford it”. The voice – unmistakable in its tenor and plumminess – belonged to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, whose trademark ebullience seemed to have suddenly deserted him. Less than a year earlier, Boris, 57, had stormed to a landslide election victory and moved into the spacious prime-ministerial apartment with his glamorous fiancée, 33-year-old Carrie Symonds, the daughter of a well-connected PR executive. According…

One of the first things I noticed after the death of Isaac was the silence. The past two years had been filled with laughter, music and the occasional tantrum. Then all of a sudden, it was just so quiet ... Isaac was the youngest victim of the Beirut blast. He was an outgoing, confident, brave, incredibly intelligent and affectionate little boy. He was thriving in Beirut. He loved to talk to people and as we walked around the city he would wave at the locals, many of whom would stop and have a chat with him. He constantly astounded my husband and I with his fierce intelligence. He was a master at puzzles and was quickly picking up Arabic and French, despite the fact that my husband and I are…

Beauty note The perfect pink lipstick should complement your moods. So opt for one that can be worn as a stain, or layered for a bolder statement. Try Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor in Bare Down, $24.95. One of our favourite nail shades is Revlon’s Ultra HD Snap! Polish in Keep Cool, $11.95. Keep nails short and round, and finish with a glossy topcoat to avoid chips. A rosy blush flatters nearly all complexions, building from a delicate sheer wash on paler complexions to a deeper shade on darker tones. Try Revlon Powder Blush in Tickled Pink, $26.95.…

Colour corrector Tired eyes and under-eye darkness are no match for Revlon’s lightweight, high-pigment formula, which provides natural-looking coverage while brightening skin with caffeine and vitamin C. We also love that it feels comfortable and doesn’t settle into lines. Revlon ColorStay 24H Skin Awaken Concealer, $26.95. Add this... Hair masque Our strands are easy to damage (colour, straighteners, weather), but fortunately, quite easy to repair with a weekly treatment. John Frieda’s Hydrate & Recharge Deep Soak Masque, $17.99, is formulated to be used when your hair needs a moisture boost, and restores tired strands with monoi oil and keratin. HERE COMES THE SUN If you’re in the mood for a new summery fragrance, green pear and musk is at the heart of Juliette Has a Gun Pear Inc, $199. A…

Sore knees are more than just a nuisance – they make physical activity uncomfortable, which has implications for preventing and managing all sorts of conditions, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes as well as a healthy mindset. As the largest joint in our body and one of the most complicated, it’s no wonder our body’s shock-absorption system is prone to aches and pains. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do – and it’s almost as easy as a walk in the park (literally). According to Professor of Medicine and rheumatology clinician researcher David Hunter, of the University of Sydney and Royal North Shore Hospital, there are many steps to try before going under the knife for knee pain or osteoarthritis (OA), which occurs when the protective cartilage cushioning…

I never should have pitched a story on good sleep hygiene (AKA a person’s sleep environment and the habits that exist around sleep). Mostly because I know just enough about this topic to be sure I have neither. On an average evening: I hop into my bed, which has a “home office” within spitting distance piled high with papers and charging computers (not good). I then snuggle under the covers with my phone (bad) and watch TV shows on it for hours (very bad) and then charge it next to my bed (terrible), but not before I take one last look at the news headlines (not great either). It’s safe to say my bedroom is not a sanctuary for sleep. And I’m not alone. According to data collected by The…

Pesto spaghetti with rocket & watercress SERVES 4 PREP & COOK TIME 25 MINUTES From the market 2 medium lemons 1 cup firmly packed fresh basil leaves 50g rocket 1¼ cups (100g) finely grated parmesan 100g rocket, extra ½ cup watercress sprigs From the pantry 500g spaghetti ½ cup (75g) toasted unsalted cashews ⅓ cup (50g) roasted pine nuts 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes 1¼ cups (310ml) extra virgin olive oil 1 Finely grate rind from one lemon. Remove rind from remaining lemon with a zester (or cut rind into thin strips, avoiding the white pith). Squeeze juice from lemons; you will need ¼ cup (60ml). 2 Cook spaghetti in a large saucepan of boiling salted water for 8 minutes or until almost tender; drain. Return spaghetti to pan to…

Strawberry, pistachio & pepper chutney MAKES 2 CUPS PREP & COOK TIME 30 MINUTES 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 2 French eschalots, chopped finely 500g small strawberries, hulled and halved 1 large (220g) ripe tomato, chopped ¼ cup (35g) pistachios, chopped 1 fresh bay leaf 1 teaspoon finely grated orange rind ¼ cup (60ml) fresh orange juice 1 tablespoon tomato paste 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper ¼ cup (55g) caster sugar 1 Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the eschalot and cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes or until softened but not coloured. 2 Add the strawberries, tomato, pistachio, bay leaf, orange rind, juice, tomato paste, vinegar, black pepper and sugar. Bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes, or…

Swedish style baked meatballs with beans & greens SERVES 4 PREP + COOK TIME 1 HOUR 2 tablespoons (10g) dried porcini mushrooms 750g pork mince ¾ cup (50g) fresh breadcrumbs 1 medium (150g) red onion, chopped finely 3 cloves garlic, crushed 1 egg 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed ⅓ cup (80ml) extra virgin olive oil 300g Swiss brown mushrooms, sliced thinly 2 x 400g can borlotti beans, rinsed and drained ¾ cup (180ml) thickened cream ½ cup loosely packed fresh sage leaves 100g baby spinach leaves finely grated parmesan, to serve 1 Place the porcini in a heatproof bowl, cover with 1½ cups (375ml) of boiling water. Set aside for 10 minutes, to rehydrate. 2 Meanwhile, place pork, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, fennel seeds, salt and pepper in a large…

For the Beef & barley soup we used the tiny inner leaves of the cavolo nero for garnishing. You can make the soup a couple of days in advance up to the end of step 2. Refrigerate until cold, then discard any solidified fat from the surface. You can substitute spinach or silverbeet for the cavolo nero if you like. If making the Speedy country-style chicken soup ahead, the risoni will keep absorbing the liquid. Add a little more stock or water to thin down to your desired consistency.…

It can be really overwhelming trying to arrange your belongings in a space until you realise that certain patterns can help you tie it all together. The triangle, in particular, is what I’m talking about here. When you’ve collected everything in one spot, have a go at assembling it into triangles of various shapes and sizes. There’s no need to be too literal about it – these aren’t necessarily all simple, basic, straight triangles; they can be a lot looser than that. What you should be aiming for are high points and low points and making everything feel beautiful, relaxed and not overly thought out. At the back, you’ll have large triangles, with smaller triangles closer to the front. On shelves and flat surfaces, think about the triangle as you…

Just as daffodils poke their heads out as spring arrives, that same sunny shade is striking indoors. “Bursts of yellow as highlights give a boost of brightness, happiness and warmth,” says Louise Leibhardt, senior designer for Pillow Talk. “Golden yellow (in small doses) teamed with various shades of sage green, and splashes of earthy tones work well.”…

Last the distance j While they’re plentiful and cheap, chop peeled avocados into chunks, E toss in lemon juice and freeze in a single layer, then store in airtight containers. They’re great in smoothies, dips or smashed on toast. Cut reusable silicone baking mats –available from kitchen and storage stores – into the base shape of your cake pans to save non-recyclable baking paper. Stick together Add 1 tablespoon cornflour to crushed biscuits and butter when you are processing them for a tart base – it will ensure the base stays together and does not crumble when you cut it. Cover up To prevent transplant shock when planting out tomato seedlings, remove the bottoms from 2-litre plastic milk containers and cover each plant for 3 days. Leave the lid off…

The Perfect Family by Robyn Harding, Simon & Schuster A sensational ride with a family, each member hiding compromising secrets. In the prologue we see the Adler house at night, as a hooded figure drops a gas bomb in their front shrubs. This family has “done terrible things,” says the culprit. The harassment began with eggs hurled at their BMW. Interior designer (kleptomaniac) mum Viv stole a client’s lipstick from her handbag; her booty hosiery drawer has a false bottom. Photos reveal real estate agent (naïve) dad Thomas behaving “abhorrently” at a bachelor party. Eli quit college because of the hazing. Snarky sis Tarryn, 17, has a “[webcam] community” who “adore me and pay for my company.” The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris, Bloomsbury This debut thriller is…

She could not believe what she was hearing. She stared at her gloved hands, on the knee still covered with her outside coat. “It’s all arranged,” Ernest told her. “Mary is coming over.” “You’ve arranged it?” she gasped. “Without even talking to me?” “The king has arranged it.” Her thoughts jumped about her brain. “What has he done?” “He’s attended to everything. Mary and I are to go to the Hotel de Paris in Bray and have a maid bring us breakfast in bed.” Her panic was rising. Perhaps, she thought wildly, this was just a nightmare. David would never be so devious in real life. He would never encourage her to go away just so he could work on Ernest. And even had this happened, Ernest would never have…

Virgo Aug 24-Sep 23 Happy birthday Virgos, the zodiac’s elegant precision instruments! When sun and new moon on September 7 open this year’s portal for your personal wish list, consider how best can you be of service to yourself and others. Perhaps start by asking for more support, or viewing difficult situations as opportunities. With Mars in your sign until mid-month, September’s burning question is: can you perfectionists love others as they are, flaws and all? The answer comes via Virgo writer Leo Tolstoy: “If you love someone, love the person as they are, and not as you’d like them to be.” Which, of course, includes you. Libra Sep 24 - Oct 23 This admittedly picky month wants to get things right – as you do. Especially when Mars marches…