Home/Women's Lifestyle/The Australian Women's Weekly/February 2020/In This Issue
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Welcome!I will never forget visiting Kensington Palace in the week after Princess Diana’s death. In my early 20s and living away from home for the first time, I was more interested in the British music scene than the monarchy. However, it was impossible not to be swept up in the country’s grief, and I wanted to observe firsthand this defining moment in history. What I wasn’t prepared for was how the scene would impact me. The sheer volume of people and flowers. The open weeping, the heart-breaking notes. Complete strangers hugged in shared sorrow. The sense of loss was palpable. I’m not ashamed to say I shed a tear that day. If that was the effect this outpouring of public pain had on me, a cynical young Aussie abroad, one…2 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020LETTER of the MONTHThank you for your wonderful coverage of these catastrophic fires (Courage Under Fire, AWW, January). This disaster has possibly done more to bring Australians together than anything previously, underlining the kindness, care and compassion we all knew was there. Those who are caring for the animals that have survived are true gems. I am sure all of us send out our love to all those affected, and to those who are heroically still fighting these monstrous fires. C. Jolliffe, Buderim, Qld.…1 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020From heart break to hopeThey could hear the fire coming an hour before it arrived, “roaring like an aeroplane taking off,” says Bob Gorringe. “You can hear things exploding at other properties – gas bottles, trees – these loud bangs as it is coming up the valley on the other side of the hill. It is loud, it is hot, it is dark.” With an 80kph wind behind it, 12km across the front and 120 metres high, the fire roared through the Clarence Valley in northern NSW, leapt across the Nymboida River and came straight for Bob’s house. “Hell, it was hot. The wind is rushing in at about knee height to feed the fire. It tips you over – your legs are going one way and your body is going the other. It’s…9 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020The long road to recoveryFlora lost in fires Some of Australia’s richest wilderness has been ravaged by bushfires so fierce conservationists now fear it may never fully recover. Western Australia’s Stirling Range is home to more than 1500 species of plants, at least 87 of which are not found anywhere else in the world, but out-of-control bushfires that burned more than 40,000 hectares in December could alter the delicate ecosystem. Nearly half the park was burned before 200 fire crews brought the flames under control, but now conservationists fear the blaze may have caused irreparable damage. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is conducting an aerial survey of the area to assess the damage, but they say they’ll have to wait until the regrowth begins in spring to know how well the bushland…6 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Shelter from the firestormWhen Erin Riley took to Twitter to offer a paddock to people whose properties had been ravaged by fire, she had no idea she would spark a major rehousing project. Soon she was inundated with people offering and seeking emergency accommodation and findabed.info was born. In just one week more than 6500 people registered to provide shelter to people evacuating from the path of the fires. The first person placed was a 76-year-old man who had been sleeping in his car. “A couple not far from there put him up. They made him dinner; he even borrowed the guy’s clothes,” Erin says. Since then, people have offered everything from spare bedrooms to whole houses to families and individuals in need.…1 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Money mattersPersonal wealth Before she joined the royal family, the duch*ess of Sussex reportedly earned US$50,000 an episode as an actress in TV drama Suits plus income from film roles and her lifestyle blog. According to The Independent, Meghan’s net worth before she married was around £3.8 million. Past funding •According to the website, SussexRoyal, 5 per cent of the Sussex family funding came from The Sovereign Grant, money from the UK public purse to fund royal duties. •The £2.4 million renovation of the Sussex family’s Windsor home, Frogmore Cottage, was paid from Sovereign Grant funds. •The remaining 95 per cent of Sussex funding, which finances their office and staffing, was paid by The Prince of Wales from income accrued from his estate, the Duchy of Cornwall. Funding now •The couple…1 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Under her spellA ruthless seductress, former stripper Robyn Lindholm would use sex to lure her lovers to perform her dirty work, and they would become putty in her hands. Soon a wicked web of betrayal and murder was spun, with Lindholm leaving victims in her wake. The earliest she is due for release from prison is 2049. ROBYN LINDHOLM GUILTY OF ORDERING THE MURDERS OF EX-LOVERS WAYNE AMEY AND GEORGE TEAZIS. TORSTEN TRABERT GUILTY OF MURDERING WAYNE AMEY AND SENTENCED TO 28 YEARS. JOHN ANTHONY RYAN GUILTY OF MURDERING WAYNE AMEY AND SENTENCED TO 31 YEARS. WAYNE AMEY LINDHOLM’S LOVER AND SECOND VICTIM, WHO ALSO HELPED KILL HER FIRST. GEORGE TEAZIS LINDHOLM’S FIRST VICTIM, MURDERED BY WAYNE AMEY. HIS BODY HAS NEVER BEEN RECOVERED.…1 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020When pink meets tealI first met Jill Emerson late last year in a room behind an old heritage-listed art gallery in the NSW port town of Newcastle. Dozens of women were gathered around a long table, chattering brightly as they sewed silk and cotton flowers. Only two colours were used in their creations: the pink of the breast cancer awareness campaign and the teal of the ovarian cancer movement. Their conversations stopped, but their work didn’t, as the woman they were sewing for entered. At 60, Jill was dignified, warm, vibrant, and hiding the pain in her body, as she addressed the group about saving the lives of women with ovarian cancer. “It takes numbers – more women asking for change, demanding change,” Jill insisted. But there the problem lies, because ovarian cancer…12 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Playing for keepsBack in 2000 there was a favoured tradition in the Rogers family home. Once a week, Mat would visit his parents’ house in Sydney’s Cronulla where his mum, Carol, would have made a roast and his rugby legend dad, Steve, was already sitting in front of the TV waiting for the latest episode of Survivor to start. The US series had just launched, and like many families around the globe, the entire Rogers clan was avidly tuning in for the action. “It was the original reality show that transfixed the world really, and we had Survivor night every week,” Mat – who is about to hit screens for the second time in an Australian All Stars season of the program – tells The Weekly. “It was a fun thing to…11 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020It takes a villagePat Brown’s eyes are alight with enthusiasm. “Oh, they’re fantastic, they’re our angels,” she says of her new best friends, the four University of Sydney students who are swapping companionship for free rent at the aged-care facility she calls home. Aged 79, Pat is chatting animatedly about computers, handicrafts, family history and the university course on dementia prevention she has just completed. This bright-eyed, funny grandmother gets around in a wheelchair but still has “all her marbles”, as she wryly puts it. And she loves sharing life experiences with her 30-year-old neighbour Gabrielle. Nothing too unusual about that, perhaps – except for the fact that, in a bold new initiative, they both live at a care facility in Sydney’s south, Scalabrini Bexley. That’s where Gabrielle and three other allied health…9 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020We hear youRight now, what do you hear? The radio chatting away? The soft rumble of traffic? Birds flitting between trees? We live our lives to a low chorus, which we largely filter out. Though for some of us, innocent everyday sounds can cause distress, anger and can even put a strain on relationships. “Let’s just say I can clear the room with a rice cake,” says Sarah-Jane. “My husband hates the sound of crunching, but for me it’s the best stress release at the end of the day. I come home and start munching on crackers or chips the minute I walk through the door and the stress starts melting away. Harry used to argue and ask me why I want to annoy him, but now he storms off and shuts…6 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Love your lungsThis summer started with catastrophic bushfires in many parts of Australia. I know in my general practice, we were seeing an unusually high number of people suffering from irritated eyes, blocked noses, coughing and trouble breathing due to weeks of choking smoke. This was reflected in hospital admissions too, with NSW Heath reporting increases in hospital presentations for asthma and breathing problems during the bushfire emergency, and almost double the usual number in the worst-affected areas. This prompted a reminder for all of us, especially those with a pre-existing lung condition, to take precautions to protect our lungs. It’s easy to take good lung health for granted, until you have a problem with your breathing. So how do we take care of our lungs? Bushfires Even for those with healthy…3 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Ask the doctorQ I’ve heard that ibuprofen can cause meningitis. Is this true and what’s the risk? J.P., NSW. Ibuprofen is one of the most commonly used analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications. Aseptic meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain) is a rare but increasingly recognised side effect, mainly among people with an underlying autoimmune connective tissue disorder. Q I have black floating spots in my eyesight, but only in front of my left eye. They’ve been coming and going for a couple of months and seem to be more frequent now. Is this something I should see my GP or an optometrist for? D.A., Tas. The most likely cause for the floater is a posterior vitreous detachment. Any recent change in your vision should be assessed, either by an optometrist or…2 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020COOK, FREEZE, EAT!Roast chicken with green pumpkin and broccolini curry MAKES 4 PORTIONS PREP AND COOK TIME 50 MINUTES (+ STANDING TIME) 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1.2kg chicken, patted dry, butterflied GREEN PUMPKIN AND BROCCOLINI CURRY 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 2 red shallots, sliced thinly ¼ cup (75g) green curry paste 500g butternut pumpkin, peeled, cut into 3cm pieces 400ml can coconut cream 2 bunches broccolini (350g), trimmed, halved crossways 1 tablespoon brown sugar 2 tablespoons lime juice SESAME CAULIFLOWER RICE 1 medium cauliflower (1.5kg), cut into florets 1 tablespoon sesame oil 3 green onions, sliced thinly ASSEMBLY INGREDIENT Thai basil leaves, to serve 1 Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Line an oven tray with baking paper. Rub oil over chicken; season well. Place chicken on lined…8 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Sizzling barbecueGarlicky yoghurt chicken SERVES 6 PREP AND COOK TIME 40 MINUTES (+ MARINATING TIME) 200g Greek yoghurt 2 green onions (green shallots), chopped 2-3 cloves garlic, peeled 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon rind 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground coriander ½ teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes 1.6kg chicken pieces (breasts and thigh cutlets) on the bone, skin on 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, approximately 2 lemons, halved 1 To make marinade, add yoghurt, onion, garlic, rind, spices and salt to a small food processor and pulse until combined; transfer to a large bowl. Add chicken pieces and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate 3 hours or overnight. 2 Preheat the barbecue to medium. Drain any excess marinade from chicken pieces. Grease barbecue plate with olive oil.…4 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 20204 ways with frittataBasic frittata MAKES 6 PREP AND COOK TIME 40 MINUTES 1½ tablespoons semolina 2 small (180g) zucchini 1 small (120g) potato, scrubbed, unpeeled 6 eggs 1 cup (240g) ricotta 1 clove garlic ¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley ½ teaspoon sea salt flakes Preheat oven to 220°C (200°C fan-forced). Lightly grease a 6-hole (¾ -cup/180ml) Texas muffin pan. Sprinkle greased holes with semolina. Using a vegetable peeler, cut 1 zucchini into ribbons. Line pan holes with zucchini, overlapping at different angles. Coarsely grate remaining zucchini and potato; squeeze out excess liquid. Whisk eggs, ricotta, garlic, parsley, salt flakes and grated vegetables in a medium bowl. Spoon mixture into pan holes. Bake for 25 minutes or until set. Flavour twists 1 Pumpkin and rosemary Make Basic Frittata, adding ½ cup (85g)…2 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020All moves the rightMoving a household from one side of the Earth to the other is challenging, but perseverance and a little good luck will see things through. Such was the case for Andrea Stark and her family, who had been living in London for 15 years until a move to Sydney cropped up in 2013. They had packed up all their furniture, sent it to storage in their new home city and moved into a serviced apartment while they searched for a place to buy. Four months elapsed before Andrea and her husband, both originally from New Zealand – plus their two children Olivia, now 15, and Luke, 13 – found this 380m2 Federation property a stone’s throw from a harbour beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. “From the moment we set foot…4 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 20205 minutes with... Manu FeildelWhat will fans like most about season 11, MKR: The Rivals? What we really enjoyed, especially Colin [Fassnidge] and I, was mentoring the teams. Being more involved, and not just talking about food or judging but getting into the kitchen and sharing our knowledge, I think that is what fans will enjoy the most. You’ve mentored the returning ‘Fave’ teams – what can we expect? I’m very competitive. The fact I’m working with teams that have already been in the competition is in some way an advantage, but also not so much when they think they know better and don’t listen – it’s an interesting challenge. I’m there to win, so we worked hard. Was there anything else difficult about mentoring? We were spending only a couple of hours with…2 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020About the authorJeanine Cummins, 45, was born on a US naval base in Spain, but grew up in Maryland, US. “My family is Irish and Puerto Rican, and we lived in a community that was not only extremely diverse, but also (unusually) very racially integrated.” After working in publishing Jeanine turned her hand to her first love, writing, including her bestselling memoir A Rip in Heaven. She writes from her home on the Hudson River where she lives with her husband and two daughters. “We live in the woods, and we like to watch the animals in the forest. Our most recent discovery is that a bald eagle has built a nest we can see from our window. We watch him fly.”…1 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020HoroscopesAquarius JAN 21-FEB 19 Happy birthday, Aquarius – progressive February gifts you sudden insights, swift changes of perspective and completely unexpected pleasures. Yes, there is Mercury retrograde’s inevitable glitches and bickering, but there’s also plenty of celestial support for moving through hurt to healing. Pied Piper Mars in the sign of poetic licence makes you very persuasive and if other people’s behaviour seems downright bizarro, well, we all have our peculiarities, don’t we, Aquirkyans? Venus will help you find the best in difficult people or situations (it’s there if you look). Pisces FEB 20-MAR 20 Venus enjoying a lush month of sensual indulgence is set to float your love boat, so what could go wrong? That would be mid-month Mercury backsliding through Pisces – which can make your communications confusing…5 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020A taste of local lifeOne of the joys of travel to lesser known destinations is the warm welcome of the locals, many of whom have had little chance to travel and relish the chance to mingle with international visitors. Connections with the locals are high on the agenda of one of Trafalgar’s new trips for 2020, Georgia and Armenia Uncovered. The 11-day tour features Trafalgar’s signature ‘Be My Guest’ experiences whereby travellers visit local homes to enjoy regional food and wines, learn about local life, in the process helping sustain the communities. In Kakabeti in eastern Georgia, for example, guests are treated to lunch and a churchkhela making class. Trafalgar’s Georgia and Armenia Uncovered tours from Tbilisi to Yerevan are priced from $3075.62 per person and run April to October, 2020. The itinerary includes…1 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Beauty spotSwaying palm trees, sugary white-sand beaches and turquoise seas frame every Caribbean experience. Add to this the unique personality of each island and tropical weather year-round and you have the perfect destination for natural beauty, relaxation and cultural discovery. One of the best ways to experience the Caribbean is on a cruise. There are more than 7000 islands in the Caribbean, which is bordered by the United States, Mexico, Central America and South America in the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. Some islands are lush, with rainforests and mountain trails, while others have desert climates. Cruise ships stop at about 40 islands including The Bahamas. Some islands have several ports. Homeports where ships depart for the Caribbean include New York City; New Orleans, Louisiana; Galveston, Texas; Charleston, South Carolina;…3 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Our ship’s coming inWhen is the best time to book a cruise holiday? Book as soon as the cruise itineraries are released (up to 24 months in advance). The earlier you book the more likely you are to secure exactly what you want – such as preferred dining times and cabin location. This can be important if travelling with a group and cabins close together are required or travelling with children and you want interconnecting cabins. If you leave it to the last minute you can end up with accommodation no one else wants (i.e. no balcony or under the nightclub), or run the risk of the ship being sold out. How do you know what cruise line is best for you? Work with a cruise specialist travel adviser to book your cruise…3 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020We stand with youRebuild Our Towns is a campaign launched by Bauer Media, publisher of The Weekly, to support Australian towns affected by the bushfires. We know many of you have donated generously to support those doing it tough in the wake of the devastating fires, but we also know the road ahead will be long, as those affected begin to slowly rebuild their lives and communities. That is why this campaign centres on the fact that practical help doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Our thoughts go out to every person caught up in this crisis, but actions speak louder than words, so we invite you to join us to make a difference and help our heartland heal. As the campaign grows, it will focus on more and more towns across the…1 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020In Brief NEWS BITESAwards season Revel with a cause AWARDS SEASON was less about celebrating past achievements and more about looking to future action. Russell Crowe’s Golden Globe acceptance speech highlighted the Australian bushfires, and Sarah Snook backed his comments. BAFTA double-nominee Margot Robbie urged viewers to donate anything they could to fire services. Nicole Kidman, who donated $500,000 to the cause, also spoke of the fires on the red carpet, while Cate Blanchett sent a thank you to responders while presenting a Golden Globe award. Now we are nine The Danish royal family has released these beautiful candid photos of Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine to mark the twins’ ninth birthday. In a statement, the royal family said it was a pleasure to release the images. Their mother, Crown Princess Mary, took…1 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Wildlife wipe-outDr Chris Brown has urged us not to forget “the other quiet Australians” devastated in the fires, who are “too small, too hidden or simply not pretty enough to have a PR presence”. Posting photos of the Brush-tailed rock-wallaby, Long-footed potoroo, and Kangaroo Island dunnart, he sought to “shine a light on them before we lose them forever”. With over a billion animals estimated to be lost nationwide, he said it was the right time to put faces to these horrific numbers and truly understand what we are about to lose forever.…1 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Fireproofing our futureProfessor David Bowman is a pyrogeographer, one of the world’s leading fire experts. He has studied wildfire for more than 40 years but this fire season in Australia has made the hair on the back of his neck bristle. It has frightened him. “This is a nation-defining, historical event,” he says, with some urgency, from his post at The University of Tasmania. “I said that in November. I knew it, even then, because the sorts of things that were happening in northern NSW were so extraordinary, so extreme. Extrapolating that, it was easy to see it moving down as a wave – it was inevitable. “There has been terrible loss of wildlife, biodiversity, farmland and homes, but we have also been lucky. Both good fortune and the skill of the…6 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Shooting for the starsShe is James Bond in T-bar heels, a saucy feminist superhero a century ahead of her time. Sporting her glamorous drop-waist getups, she can dance a tango, fly a Tiger Moth, or surf a speeding train carriage – all without upsetting a strand of her signature black bob. Not only that, the whip-smart lady detective leaves a trail of smitten lovers in her wake. Who wouldn’t want to be Phryne Fisher? Essie Davis has won fans all over the world playing the 1920s Melbourne super-sleuth in the ABC TV series Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. Based on Kerry Greenwood’s bestselling books, the show premiered in 2012 and had more than 1 million Australians tuning in each week, before it spread to 180 countries and garnered a cult following in the US…9 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Beach buddiesAt just past 8am on a Saturday morning at Nobbys Beach Surf Club on Queensland’s Gold Coast, something very special is about to happen. Dozens of mums and dads loaded up like packhorses trudge across blistering hot sand to get as close to the water’s edge as possible. They are the proud parents of the pint-sized heroes we know as nippers who, every weekend between September and March, eagerly take to our beaches to learn about surf safety. To the northern end of the flags, one gutsy group of youngsters has gathered. Smeared in sunscreen and decked out in brilliant orange rashies, the flock of 30 young warriors takes off in full formation. This is the magnificent Albatross Nippers, a select group of youngsters who participate in a unique program…7 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Turning 60 is rather fabulousKristin Scott Thomas has a reputation for being an ice queen of the movie industry. As an actress she has immortalised those particular roles which require a certain aloofness and hauteur. Her breakthrough came in 1994 in Four Weddings and a Funeral when she played the acerbic Fiona, who is madly in love with the hapless Charles (Hugh Grant) but too proud to let him know how she feels. She went on to star opposite Robert Redford as the powerful, successful-but-broken Annie MacLean in The Horse Whisperer, and then as a frosty, married congresswoman who falls for a tough police detective (Harrison Ford) in Random Hearts. But it was as the brilliant, complicated, Katharine in The English Patient in 1996 – where her steamy affair with Ralph Fiennes won her…11 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020My friend Jackie, by Carly SimonIt was the summer of 1983 when Carly Simon, by then famous for such hits as Nobody Does It Better, You’re So Vain and You Belong To Me, attended a dinner at the Ocean Club in Massachusetts’ affluent summer playground, Martha’s Vineyard. Also there that evening was Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. She was accompanying her son, John Kennedy Jr; himself a sometime Martha’s Vineyard resident and acquaintance of Carly’s; and he introduced the two women briefly. Conversation haltingly began and soon they were bumping into each other more frequently – and an invitation to Carly’s home on the island was issued not long after. This would prove the birth of an incredible friendship which would see them share long lunches, dinner dates, trips to the movies and theatre as well as…12 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Reach outResearch by National Seniors Australia shows that as senior Australians grow older, they are more likely to be lonely, and women more than men. Mixing younger and older generations is an innovative way to deal with this but it isn’t possible in many aged-care facilities. So here are some tips from Professor John McCallum, CEO of National Seniors, on how to avoid isolation and loneliness in aged care. •Plan for your desired old age and encourage older relatives to get planning. If you plan for your care, you will have a better chance of entering a facility of your choosing. •Look for aged-care homes that encourage socialisation with facilities such as: a common activities area and a lounge area with spaces to sit and chat; a dining room with residents’…1 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Feel the vibrationsFor those with hyperacusis and tinnitus, listening to pleasant, low-level sound ensures your brain is not starved for sound and is better at handling louder noises. Here’s how to do it. Remove the ear plugs, as they create an artificial hearing loss. Listen to music with no lyrics or percussion, as they go to the speech part of the brain rather than the limbic relaxation centre. Think classical. Around 50-80bpm is good. Explore environmental music with water (if you find it relaxing), which works well because it has low and high pitch. Keep headphones/earbuds at 70 per cent max (which gives you four hours safe listening time). At 80-90 per cent you can only listen for 15-20 minutes. Experiment with apps such as ReSound Tinnitus Relief, which has soundscapes, and…1 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Sun setTaking cover Meet the new ‘protective make-up’. Just like your best sunscreen, it’s broad spectrum and high protection. Apply it liberally and evenly – but remember, you still need water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating (and Cancer Council Australia also recommends layering the two for long days in the sun). Don’t forget to touch up frequently! HIGH COVERAGE Maybelline Dream Urban Cover SPF40, $25.95, is broad-spectrum with clarifying niacinamide and nourishing vitamin E. BUILDABLE COVERAGE Avene Tinted Compact Cream SPF50, $17.99, is perfect for touch ups on the run with broad-spectrum mineral filters and vitamin E. LIGHT COVERAGE Revision Intellishade TruPhysical SPF45, $75, is a lovely, broad-spectrum moisturising mineral tint with a host of antioxidants. Sunscreen speak Let’s decipher some new phrases you might encounter while sunscreen shopping. REEF SAFE…5 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Looking after your lungsWHAT WE CAN ALL DO to strengthen, protect and care for our lungs in these special events and for the long term? •Don’t smoke. Ever •Exercise every day to the point of puffing for at least 20–30 minutes •Regular yoga practice can be beneficial for breathing problems •Spend regular time in nature, among trees or by the ocean •Avoid exercising outdoors on poor air quality days •Wear a mask for protection against infection and pollution at times of high risk •Avoid crowds during the flu season •Have an annual flu vaccine and ask your doctor about a pneumococcal vaccine •Avoid exposure to indoor pollutants •If someone at home has a respiratory illness, take precautions to avoid exposure •When air quality is low, close the windows and switch on air conditioning.…1 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Health news80% of those with coeliac disease remain undiagnosed and long-term exposure can increase the risk of infertility and cancer, says Coeliac Australia, so it’s important to see your GP if you’re having any unexplained symptoms. Recent findings in the journal Gut show that in those with a genetic predisposition, frequent gastro infections are associated with a higher risk of developing coeliac disease autoimmunity, and high gluten intake further increased risk. Coeliac Awareness Week is 13-20 March. Walk fast to slow age Pounding the pavement could be a sign of successful ageing. In a study of more than 1000 45-year-olds, those with the slowest gait (3.9 feet per second) had poor physical foundation at midlife. They also had accelerated ageing with facial changes, organ deterioration, brain changes and worse cognitive function…2 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Vegetable parcelsFennel and chilli SERVES 6 PREP AND COOK 40 MINUTES 6 baby (780g) fennel, quartered lengthways 2 yellow banana chilli, sliced thickly 6 cloves garlic, bruised 6 sprigs rosemary ¼ cup (60ml) verjuice ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil Place 2 large pieces of foil on the bench then lay a piece of baking paper on top. Divide ingredients between each piece of foil/paper and season with salt and freshly ground black. Fold into a parcel to completely enclose vegetables. Place on an oven tray. Preheat the barbecue to medium-high. Place the parcels on the barbecue and cook with the hood closed for about 25 minutes or until vegetables are just tender. Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Oregano potatoes SERVES 6 PREP AND COOK TIME 40 MINUTES 1kg…1 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Just dessertsLemon cake with raspberry buttercream SERVES 12 250g unsalted butter, at room temperature 360g caster sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste 4 large eggs, at room temperature 250ml buttermilk finely grated zest and juice of 2 lemons 750g self-raising flour 50g freeze-dried raspberries RASPBERRY BUTTERCREAM 250g fresh raspberries 2 teaspoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons caster sugar 350g unsalted butter, at room temperature 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste 500g icing sugar, sifted FILLING 400g full-fat ricotta, at room temperature 400g mascarpone, at room temperature 1.2 litres thickened cream, plus 3 tablespoons extra 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste 250g fresh raspberries 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease and line two 22cm springform tins with baking paper. 2 Place the butter, caster sugar and vanilla in the bowl of a stand mixer…5 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Home hintsREADER’S PRIZE HINT To prevent thread from tangling when hand-sewing with double thread, knot each end of the cotton separately. C. Bebb, Kenwick, WA. Health hack Your sandwich press is a quick and clean way to grill summer vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, capsicum and asparagus. Smart swap Give up plastic cling wrap this year – substitute stretchy silicone covers, beeswax food wraps, reusable plastic/glass containers or waxed paper sandwich wrap. Clean load To prevent lint from clinging to your clothes in the wash, put a couple of pairs of old pantyhose in with the load. Label free Using a citrus-based goo remover or nail polish remover, clean the printing from PET containers used to sell salad leaves, wash and dry, and repurpose for food gifts. Avoid a trip If…2 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020the diary•JANUARY 31 The Twilight at Taronga concert series returns with performers including Kasey Chambers (2), Pete Murray and Bernard Fanning.twilightattaronga.org.au •FEBRUARY 4 Marta Dusseldorp (7) takes to the Sydney Theatre Company stage to star in The Deep Blue Sea, a drama about loss, longing and having the courage to want more. sydneytheatre.com.au•FEBRUARY 7 With Perth’s City Beach Quarry Amphitheatre as the setting, the West Australian Ballet will deliver a spectacular program in Light and Shadow: Ballet at the Quarry. waballet.com.au•FEBRUARY 7 The Perth Festival (1) has more than 250 events and performances to dazzle audiences during the festival’s three-week run.perthfestival.com.au •FEBRUARY 8 Melbourne Theatre Company will present Benjamin Law’s debut work, the funny and moving Torch the Place (3), at the Arts Centre Melbourne. mtc.com.au•FEBRUARY 16 Don’t miss In Conversation…1 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Summer readingLiterary reads The Drover’s Wife by Leah Purcell, Hamish Hamilton Actor, playwright and author Leah Purcell grew up reading Henry Lawson’s famous 1892 short story The Drover’s Wife carrying around her own battered copy of the book and annotating it with her childish sketches. The tale of the pregnant woman isolated in the family’s two-bedroom hut with her four children deep in Australia’s high country reached into her soul. This novel, which also incorporates some of Leah’s family history, is just one of her reworkings of the tale – first came the stage play and soon there’ll be a film. And in this courageous reimagining of the classic she has created something of a thriller, with the woman now named Molly Johnson and Aboriginal. The result is engrossing and truly…10 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Beam me up, barista!At 19 storeys high and 330m long (25m longer than Sydney’s Centrepoint Tower lying sideways), the Sky Princess is truly like a floating city. The heart of the ship is the Piazza – a glittering gold threestoreyed atrium with grand winding staircases and water features. It’s here, while en route from Trieste to Athens, I discover one of Sky Princess’ biggest – and possibly best – new features. Suffering from jetlag, I go in search of coffee. The barista looks down at his device then greets me by name and asks if I’d like a flat white – the same order I’d made earlier in the day. One longstanding criticism of cruising has been that the larger the ship, the less personal the service – so when you’re one of…2 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Spotlight on BergenAsk any fjord fan where the best are to be found in the world, and the answer will inevitably be Norway. For sheer quantity (well over 1000) and beauty, they can’t be beaten. The starting point for many cruises is the historic port of Bergen and most companies will include a day or two there on their itineraries, but any extra days you can add will be well rewarded. The first thing any tourist should do is head to the UNESCO World Heritage waterfront to see the city’s Instagram stars – a row of colourful wooden Hanseatic houses – the world’s only surviving cluster from the days when the Hanseatic League dominated the Baltic sea trade (circa 1100 to 1450). The Hanseatic Museum and SchØtstuene tells the story. There are…2 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Shore excursionsAs varied as the Caribbean islands are, so are the shore excursions. Here are some tips to get the most of offshore days. First, consider the homeport part of your holiday. Fly into New York or Miami and spend a few days before embarking on your cruise. When I sailed from Charleston I toured the Ashley River plantations, took a carriage tour past historic homes and gardens, and bought local treasures at Charleston City Market. On the islands, just about anything you can think of that would be fun and interesting is offered. In Grand Cayman, this variety includes stingray and turtle encounters, snuba diving (a combination snorkel and diving experience), food tours and helicopter tours. Often tours cover history and stops for lunch and shopping.…1 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Open lineADMIRABLE HUMANS What an inspirational story about the Indigenous women from the Lake Tyers Fire Service (“They’ll Bury Me In My Yellows”, AWW, January). Wise, intelligent and community-minded – everything I admire in a fellow human. Well done, girls. You are all amazing! A. Hannah, Rankin Park, NSW. LEADING WITH COMPASSION It was a privilege to read about Jacinda Ardern (“You Don’t Have To Be Perfect To Be Prime Minister”, AWW, January). I am very impressed by her confidence, but most of all I’m moved by her genuine feeling. Her statement about having the opportunity to see the good in people was an inspiring reminder. I am committed to looking for the good in the world in 2020. Here’s to a decade in which we will see more women on…2 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Around the worldOLYMPIAN DEFECTS Iran’s only female Olympic medallist, Kimia Alizadeh, has defected from the country, saying she no longer wants to be a part of “hypocrisy, lies, injustice and flattery.” IM-PRESS-IVE Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney has been honoured with a Freedom of the Press award for her work, including defending two journalists being held in Myanmar. STILL WINNING Women’s Weekly Women of the Future winner Sarah Moran continues to achieve great things, launching her Girl Geek Academy in Samoa to teach girls life-changing coding skills.…1 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Thank you, fireys“Come home safe” Tiny Spencer Haines was born nine days overdue on Christmas Eve. Perhaps he’d been waiting for his brave dad, Beau Haines, to get home from battling the catastrophic fires in NSW. “He must have known that Dad wasn’t home,” says his mother, Cassie Randal. The first-time mother was nearing her due date when Beau was asked to leave their home in Kiewa, Victoria, to fight fires on the NSW coast. “I had two hours’ notice. They only had two people who could go,” Beau says. He told Cassie he’d stay if she wanted him to, but Cassie understood this was his duty. “It was a hard decision but the brigade’s like a whole other family to us,” Cassie says. “I admit I had a little crying fit…2 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Helping handIt’s an aphorism often repeated: when disaster strikes, look to the helpers. Watching in shock as swathes of our farmland, towns and forests were incinerated, we’ve taken comfort from all that ordinary Australians do to help. JOHNSONVILLE, VIC Women from the Australian Islamic Centre brought five truckloads of supplies to country Victoria and cooked breakfast for 150 firefighters. QUEENS PARK, NSW Crafters young and old have helped injured wildlife. Here, Monty Armstrong runs up a bat wrap for the Rescue Craft Collective. OMEO, VIC An ‘army of angels’ convoy of 150 trucks delivered donated supplies in Victoria. Damien Britt (left) delivers hay to farmer Russell Foster. LAKE CONJOLA, NSW There were daring rescues and boat convoys. Two locals in a tinny rescued a family of 14 and two dogs…1 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Harry’s leap of faithWhen Harry met Meghan everything changed. He was floating on cloud nine, falling hard and fast for this passionate, nurturing, exciting Californian with her brilliant TV career and thriving lifestyle blog. Prince Harry was a young man aching to find love, to start his own family, to stand by his brother with his own wife by his side and find a partner for his very unique line of work. In those halcyon months before the world knew about their secret romance, Harry and Meghan forged a powerful union and a tender love. Together they planned to take on the world, to inspire and empower, and have a go at fixing many of the problems that troubled their generation. Those closest to Prince Harry saw the change immediately. At a recent…13 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020THE MAKING OF A MURDERESSThe Supreme Court of Victoria is not a place for romance, but as she sat in handcuffs before a judge, Robyn Lindholm sent meaningful looks towards her lover. Hunched and rough-faced, Torsten Trabert, also in chains, sat just a few feet away, on the other side of an armed guard. The love-struck brute flirted back, seemingly oblivious to the sombre proceedings going on around him. It was the closest the couple had been since they were arrested two years earlier, after homicide police chased them through Brunswick West. The dog squad finally tracked them to a drain where they were hiding in water up to their necks. Lindholm, a blonde former stripper, eventually admitted to ordering the murder of her ex, and Trabert, a slow-witted truck driver, was found guilty…11 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020I finally feel that I’m freeJennifer Byrne is full of beans. Just days ago she arrived back in Sydney from a mammoth adventure on which she and her husband, TV host Andrew Denton, travelled from Bergen to the very tip of Norway and back again. “It’s a bucket list thing of course, to see the Northern Lights, which means travelling into the cold and dark of the northern winter. Though the real lure for me was we’d be joined by the ‘world’s greatest explorer’ Sir Ranulph Fiennes,” says Jennifer. “His feats are too many to enumerate but include [being] the first man to circumnavigate the earth via the two poles. He cut off his own fingers to counter frostbite and scaled Mount Everest at 64. He’s my older-man crush,” she adds mischievously. “I saw him…15 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020MAHA the KING OF CHAOSAs he swayed through the streets of Bangkok aboard a gilded litter, Thailand’s newly-crowned King Maha Vajiralongkorn looked down on scenes of deference and rejoicing. Last May’s spectacular coronation had been months in the planning, and the 67-year-old king, despite a reputation for quirkiness, seemed settled on a smooth transition. Almost nothing since has followed in the discreet ways of the 800-year-old monarchy. Insiders speak of a court in chaos, feuds, betrayals and conspiracies, as four-times married Maha purges the royal ranks, promotes his favourites and seeks to establish himself as a near-absolute monarch. Prominent among the casualties is the king’s ‘official concubine’, Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, a glamorous 34-year-old former bodyguard, whom he dismissed after publicly accusing her of “disloyalty and ingratitude”. Known around the palace as Koi, the willowy martial…9 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020The look of loveFebruary. You know what this month brings don’t you? Romance. Or at least the reminder that somewhere out there somebody is getting it on or trying to get it on with somebody else by presenting bunches of roses and having diner pour deux. Meanwhile, back at our ranch and perhaps yours too, romance has long been dead. That’s not to say there isn’t love, but love and romance are completely different. According to the online dictionary, romance is “a feeling of excitement and mystery”. This ended in our relationship the day my then-boyfriend walked into the bathroom when I was showering, sat himself down on the toilet and casually dropped a number two whilst having a chat about our weekend plans. Whilst part of me thought it wonderful that we’d…3 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020My story I helped my husband come outI was in a Brisbane pub with my first love and husband of nine years, Michael. I’d been working interstate for three months and he was taking me out to meet some of his new friends. But as the night progressed and drinks were consumed, something uncomfortable happened. One of Michael’s new male friends became angry and emotional. I looked at him, then looked at Michael. It was the behaviour of someone who felt emotionally betrayed. Suddenly I had this sinking feeling. I dashed to the bathroom and rang a friend in tears. “I think Michael’s gay,” I said. She told me I needed to ask Michael. When I broached it with him at home later that night, he earnestly denied it. It was a conversation we would have again…7 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020The art of a good brewEvery morning the MOTH (The Man of the House) makes the tea. He warms the pot, drops in a generous amount of loose tea and pours on freshly boiled water. Then we wait for the tea to ‘steep’. It doesn’t matter if the plane has landed, the meeting has started, the crisis has escalated or the show is about to go on. Then we wait. The MOTH makes tea the way his dad taught him – tea that grows hairs on your chest, tea that won two World Wars. Tea so strong it wakes you up, shrivels your tongue and makes you proud to be Australian all at the same time. The MOTH believed it was his job to pass on his tea-making skills to the next generation of Aussies.…3 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020A clean slateIf you want visibly refreshed skin, include the most impressive multi-taskers: vitamin C, vitamin A and niacinamide. REMOVER Refreshers like (7) Mecca Clean Slate Micellar Water, $30, feel lovely, and now there’s the brilliant (2) Face Halo Original, $30 for three. These little washable microfibres make a fantastic, eco-friendly alternative to wipes. Simply wet one and swipe it over your face to remove make-up. Or, for a polished feel, use after your usual cleanser. CLEANSER Your best cleanser leaves you feeling fresh and light, not tight. And cleansing oils and balms are great at grabbing grime, since like attracts like. They also have a lot of slip for a mini face massage at night, especially if they have fragrant oils that calm the mind. Try (6) Sunday Riley Moon Tranquillity…2 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Should we wear face masks?WEARING MASKS outside of a surgical theatre wasn’t something we used to see in Australia, only in Asian countries where there is a high degree of awareness of air pollution and the contagion of respiratory infection. I am often asked if they work. WE ARE ACCUSTOMED to wearing masks in general practice, for the protection of patients and for ourselves. We make sure there is a constant supply of masks in our clinic reception area, and we insist that anyone with a cough or fever who may be contagious puts one on while they wait. SO YES, there is a reduction in spread of respiratory infections if you wear a mask and this is particularly important for people with respiratory problems. But what about masks as protection against airborne particles?…1 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Pick your protein saladsBroccoli and barley salad SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 45 MINUTES 1 cup (200g) pearl barley 350g broccoli, cut into small florets 1 bunch broccolini (175g), halved lengthways 500g vine-ripened cherry tomatoes 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 100g baby salad leaves OREGANO SALSA 1 cup firmly packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped finely ½ cup firmly packed fresh oregano leaves, chopped finely 2 green onions, sliced thinly 2 tablespoons baby capers 1 long red chilli, seeded, chopped finely ½ cup (125ml) extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup (60ml) sherry vinegar PICK-YOUR-PROTEIN 600g beef rump steak OR 4 x 220g salmon fillets OR 400g piece fetta, plus 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 Cook barley in large saucepan of boiling salted water for 35 minutes or until tender.…3 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020In season tomatoes“For a final flourish, drizzle over extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil leaves.” Tempeh chips and mashed toms SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 30 MINUTES 300g block tempeh 2 tablespoons white (shiro) miso ⅓ cup (80ml) extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 250g cherry truss tomatoes 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). Line a large and small oven tray with baking paper. 2 Split block tempeh in half through the middle; cut crossways into 1cm wide chips. Stir miso, half the olive oil, honey and paprika in a large bowl; add tempeh chips, turn to coat. 3 Place chips on large lined tray. Place tomatoes on small tray, drizzle with red wine vinegar and remaining olive oil.…3 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Barbecue tips and tricksNATURAL GAS Cooking on a natural gas barbecue is clean, economical and convenient. It provides instant heat with a turn of a dial which distributes evenly across the barbecue plates. A gas barbecue gives control and accuracy allowing the cook to create delicious meals easily outdoors. DIRECT HEAT This method is when the food is cooked directly over the burners with hood open. It’s used for searing and best for food that requires short cooking times such as steaks, sausages or burgers. INDIRECT HEAT This is used with hooded barbecues when lower temperatures and longer cooking times are required. It’s best for large cuts or joints of meat and poultry on the bone. The interior heat circulates around food, cooking it without burning. The burners directly under the food are…1 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Quick bitesSMART FRIDGE 2.0 The Samsung 825L Family Hub French Door Fridge in black steel finish isn’t just smarter than your average fridge, it could be the smartest device in the house. It can stream your playlists, order takeaway and show what’s in the fridge by remote with interior cameras. It’s next-level refrigeration! For more information, visit harveynorman.com.au. SWEETNESS FOR ALL Kez’s Kitchen’s range of sweet treats are gluten free, and some are FODMAP friendly and refined-sugar free. Available from supermarkets; visit kezs.com.au for information. Seal in the goodness Smoothies are a great breakfast on the run, especially in summer. The Sunbeam NutriSeal Vacuum Blender has vacuum seal technology to remove oxygen, so your green smoothies prepared ahead of time stay fresher and greener for longer. $399, visit sunbeam.com.au. Happy medium…2 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Ask THE WEEKLYQ: I have an invasion of mealybugs on my moth orchid (phalaenopsis). What can I do to get rid of them without damaging the plant? B. Chung, Mooloolaba, Qld A: Mix 1/4 cup methylated spirits with 1 cup of water and either dab it directly on the bugs with a cotton bud or spray it on. SHARE your DOMESTIC SECRETS Send your handy hints or questions to: Home Hints, The Australian Women’s Weekly, GPO Box 4178, Sydney, NSW 2001, or email openline@ bauermedia.com.au. We pay $75 for the reader’s prize hint each month.…1 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020THE Reading roomSuspense thriller American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins, Tinder Press In the heart of every migrant is hope, it’s a dreamy driving force more powerful than those of us who live in comfortable “lucky” countries can ever comprehend. This book crystallises that emotion and imbues it with a compelling urgency that makes Jeanine Cummins’ brilliant American Dirt essential reading. The thriller intertwines the stories of men, women and children desperate enough to cling to the roof of La Bestia train network as it thunders through Mexico towards the promised land: el norte. The tale centres on bookshop owner Lydia and her smart son Luca, eight, seemingly unlikely candidates for this perilous escapade but as we soon discover there is no “typical” in the world of illegal aliens. In the opening scene…2 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020How to be super ethicalOncologist Bronwyn King always wanted to save lives, but she never expected the best way to do so would come from examining her finances. When she discovered the default setting on her superannuation fund meant she was supporting the production of cigarettes, she was horrified. She now heads Tobacco Free Portfolios, a company that has driven a significant reduction in investment in cigarettes. But tobacco isn’t the only questionable product super funds invest in, she says. Weapons, slavery, p*rnography and logging are just some of the industries Australians may be supporting without realising it. Canstar Editor-at-Large Effie Zahos says there is a growing appetite for ethical investment but most people don’t know where to start. Legislation that requires super funds to make their investments more transparent has been deferred until…3 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Eurasia’s new starWedged between the Greater Caucasus mountain range to the north, where Europe’s highest peaks make a border with Russia, and the Lesser Caucasus to the south, separating Georgia from Turkey and Armenia, lies Tbilisi, its colourful and cosmopolitan capital. The valley between the two ranges has been an ancient silk route through history, and just over a decade ago, a short-lived war with Russia turned it into a no-go zone. Since then it has embraced tourism in a big way and tour companies are putting it and neighbouring Armenia on their itineraries. The cobbled old Tbilisi town is a great place to get a feel for the place, while the cable car from Rike Park up to the Narikala Fortress gives an exhilarating overview of the city. Tbilisi was built…2 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Thrall of the wildAntarctica doesn’t come easy. Two days by ship across the Drake Passage, an ocean so vast it seems to exist in perpetuity. There’s not a soul out here except for the albatrosses, dipping and swaying above the ocean’s draught. The voyage of the mind is more confounding. In two days my world has been turned upside down: temperateness has been replaced by frigidity, and we visitors have been relegated to mere bit-players in an evolutionary play. This sense of insignificance is reinforced by the scale of the continent: icebergs gliding by like ice-bound apartment blocks; snow-smeared mountains piercing a deceptively blue sky; an infinite stillness. But the silence is swiftly shattered. Approaching landfall in a Zodiac boat, we’re assailed by the collective call of Antarctica’s most prolific residents, Gentoo, Adélie…2 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2020Fun on the frontierOnce you venture beyond the cluster of historic cities on North America’s east coast – Washington DC, Montreal, New York City, Boston – you enter a land of forests (best seen in resplendent autumn colours), lakes, streams and waterfalls. The coast of states such as Connecticut, Maine and New Hampshire offers a mix of quaint fishing villages, isolated coves and resort towns. Popular cruising ports include New York, Boston, Newport on Rhode Island, Bar Harbor in Maine, Halifax in Nova Scotia, Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island, and the ‘other Sydney’ – the Canadian one on Cape Breton Island. North America’s only walled city, Quebec City, is the most picturesque spot to dip into French-Canadian culture. Spend time strolling through its cobbled old town and venture into its most striking building,…1 min
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 20202020 hotspotsColombia The South American country has emerged from its troubled past. Trafalgar’s new 13-day Colombia Rediscovered tour makes for an exotic escape, including the Caribbean charms of Cartagena and Santa Marta. Visit Trafalgar.comfor details. Egypt and Jordan If the pyramids, the Great Sphinx and Petra are on your bucket list, 2020 is a great time to visit. The Red Sea corals are thriving despite rising global temperatures, and resorts beckon. Ask a Bucket List Holiday Specialist at travelassociates.com. Japan Hosting the 2020 Olympic Games, Japan is set to be popular this year. Why not add China, Korea or Russia? Princess Cruises has 7 to 9 day Japan-focused cruises that also feature Shanghai, Busan and Korsakov. Details at princess.com. Africa It’s no surprise Africa is a hot spot for 2020 and…1 min
