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Cool pets

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Ajax is coolest dog in the N.T. He wears doggles and couture bandanas which I create under my K9 Vogue label. He is photographed wherever we go and has a selection of shades as he must wear them because of our constant hot sun. Dee.

This is Bronx, our baby American Staffy. He is now 6 months old and at least 10 times the size! Still gorgeous though! Nicole.

This is a picture of my two Burmese cats Charlie (brown) & Oliver (blue). Charlie is 8 years old and Oliver is about to turn 2. Considering Charlie did not welcome the arrival of Oliver with open arms they certainly look like they love each other now. Melanie.

Here is a photo of our Pug x Shitsu Ruby playing with my daughter Alycia’s discarded old dummy. We think she is just the cutest thing and for a little dog, has a huge personality. The Maxfield Family.

This is our little Oscar. He is such a poser when the camera comes out! Melissa & Rob.

Here is a photo of my big beautiful boy Storm. I hope you enjoy. Laurece Yzelman.

This is a photo of my dog Mack. He is a labrador. Zoe.

This is my 3-year-old Aussie Bulldog, Bilston! Nicole.

This is my dog Zyna who is more than willing to pose for the camera. Christine.

PJ

PJ, my best friend. Christine.

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Log fireplace

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Log fireplace

To hide a dowdy fire surround, a frame, easily adapted to the desired size, is fitted around the fireplace. It is given the look of old wood with a white liming solution.

Materials

  • Structural steel equal angles 25mm x 25mm x 3mm thick (lengths depend on fireplace size)

  • Spirit level

  • Salvaged 100mm x 25mm thick tongue and groove floorboards

  • Electric drill with high speed drill bits for metal

  • Hacksaw

  • Liming solution and wood stain

Step one: remove existing fire surround. Pre-drill the steel angles at 200mm centres on both sides. The edges of the timber floorboards that touch the wall will have to be secured in place with the steel angles, screwed to the wall first, then the timber. You will need to secure two vertical lengths against the wall and a horizontal one to support shelf. Use spirit level to make sure that your angles are fixed correctly.

Step two: the cut lengths of floorboards will have to be screwed to the metal angles from the inside. Secure sides first, then top.

Step three: secure the same-sized steel angles to the wall for the smaller of the two arches, the one nearer the hearth. Fit front floorboards and screw them into place from the sides.

Step four: mix desired shade of woodstain into liming white solution at a ratio of 1 to 20. Apply with brush, allow to dry for one to two minutes, then wipe off with a rag, allowing limed colour to remain in grain.

This project can be made using new or salvaged/recycled floorboards that can be readily obtained at up to 280mm widths. It is essential that the wood be in sound condition, straight and perfectly dry.

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Kerri-Anne: “I really wanted a child”

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For Kerri-Anne Kennerley’s legions of fans, her life has been an open book. We know about her cosmetic surgery, her recurrent bouts of skin cancer, that she’s not a good cook and loves a round of golf. Yet there’s one very personal element of the morning television matriarch’s life that we know nothing about — the often asked but never answered question, why didn’t she have children?

Over the years, some people have simply assumed Kerri-Anne chose her career over motherhood and that she remained childless by choice.

“I have lived with assumptions for 13 or 14 years,” she explains. “There are people who are so very maternal and so family-friendly that they discriminate. In the back of their minds they think, ‘She prefers to have a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes than pay for her child to go to school’ or ‘She’s too busy to have a baby’. I have seen it virtually tattooed in neon lights across their foreheads.”

Read the whole story, only in the November 2006 issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly.

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What is buckwheat?

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Buckwheat noodles

Although commonly thought of as a grain, buckwheat actually comes from a herb plant. Buckwheat, which are triangular seeds produced by the herb plant, have a distinctive nutty flavour and can be cooked and served in a similar way to rice or also milled to make buckwheat flour.

Nutrition know-how

Despite its name, buckwheat is suitable for people who have a wheat allergy and is readily available at the supermarket.

Kitchen capers

Buckwheat made into …

  • hearty porridge drizzled with honey

  • tabouli with parsley, lemon juice, tomato and vegetable stock

  • A great addition to a vegetable-based soup

Buckwheat flour made into …

  • Portion-controlled, apple muffins

  • Light and fluffy pancakes topped with summer berries

  • Noodles for an Asian stir-fry

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Gone off sex?

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Sexy candles

If all you want to do in the bedroom is sleep, these three tips will help you get things started — even on a school night.

  1. “Between work and kids, I’m exhausted”

It’s important to keep physical intimacy going any way you can — otherwise you risk endangering your relationship. Reframe your man’s overtures as a desire to get close to you, rather than as a chore. Fight the voice that says you’re too tired, and go for it. Even simply kissing and cuddling releases endorphins — relaxing chemicals — that make you feel foxier for next time.Top tip: think about the last time you had terrific sex together. The memory should get you in the mood for more.

  1. “He’s been unfaithful”

Any unresolved anger about your partner’s behaviour will definitely come out in the bedroom, and when you’ve been hurt, it’s twice as difficult to relax and let yourself be vulnerable. Keep communicating, even if all you feel like saying is that you don’t trust him right now. Talking will help you feel safe, so you can build trust again.Top tip: massage reduces stress and encourages intimacy, so let him give you a loving back rub.

  1. “I feel fat and frumpy”

Worrying about your looks sabotages the fun of having sex. Challenge your negative thoughts. Find three things you like about your body — preferably below the neck — and every time your inner critic rears its ugly head, think about these things. Remember, your bloke’s in bed with you because he fancies you. Chances are, he doesn’t even notice your stretch marks or cellulite.Top tip: wear a sexy nightie that shows off your best bits, such as your legs.

Top tip: think about the last time you had terrific sex together. The memory should get you in the mood for more.

Top tip: massage reduces stress and encourages intimacy, so let him give you a loving back rub.

Top tip: wear a sexy nightie that shows off your best bits, such as your legs.

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Drug-free arthritis relief

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Painful arthritis

Sore, aching joints? Try these five natural alternatives instead.

  1. Go fish

Clinical trials have found that eating three grams of fish fats a day relieves the joint pain, swelling, and morning stiffness of rheumatoid arthritis and reduces the need for drugs.

  1. Consider acupuncture

In a US study of 570 volunteers with arthritis of the knee, those who received acupuncture reported the biggest drop in pain and stiffness — their improvement was almost double that of those who didn’t receive treatment. For a qualified acupuncturist, visit the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association atwww.acupuncture.org.au.

  1. Try guided imagery

This is an inexpensive, easy-to-learn treatment with no side effects, that has been shown to reduce the pain of arthritis and improve mobility. During a session (either with a therapist or on your own with a tape or CD), you are guided through a relaxation exercise and learn to internalise hypnotic suggestions to control your response to pain. To locate a practitioner or to purchase tapes, visitwww.musicandimagery.org.au.

  1. Give glucosamine a go

Recent research offers x-ray evidence that this supplement slows joint damage. To see results, you need to take 1500mg of glucosamine daily. Benefits usually kick in after four to eight weeks.

  1. Get extra vitamin C

In a 10-year study, people with arthritis who consumed the most vitamin C (between 150 and 450mg daily) were three times less likely to have their condition worsen than those who consumed the least C. Adding even just one 100mg tablet — or two oranges — to your daily diet will make a difference.

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Strong women

Walking every day is good, but more and more studies are proving the benefits of strength training for women of every age. Strength or resistance training not only results in a stronger, leaner body, but also offers enormous health benefits. It's not about lifting big weights or beefing up, just making sure you give all your muscles a good workout, especially those in your upper body. If you're not yet including strength training in your weekly workout, here are some great reasons to convince you to start.
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Weights

Walking every day is good, but more and more studies are proving the benefits of strength training for women of every age. Strength or resistance training not only results in a stronger, leaner body, but also offers enormous health benefits. It’s not about lifting big weights or beefing up, just making sure you give all your muscles a good workout, especially those in your upper body. If you’re not yet including strength training in your weekly workout, here are some great reasons to convince you to start.

You’ll lose weight

Strength training will help you build more muscle, which means you’ll have a faster metabolism. The more muscle you have, the more kilojoules you burn throughout the day — whether you’re walking, vacuuming, or sleeping — making it easier to lose kilos and maintain that well earned weight loss.

You’ll lose less muscle

Women who don’t strength train lose between 2.2kg and 3.2kg of muscle every decade. Although aerobic exercise such as walking and jogging improves our cardiovascular fitness, strength exercise maintains our muscle mass and strength. The stronger your muscles are, the easier it is to do everyday activities. Strength training will also make you look leaner and give your muscles greater definition.

Your metabolic rate will be preserved as you age

Because muscle is very active tissue, muscle loss is accompanied by a reduction in resting metabolic rate — the rate at which you burn kilojoules. Research indicates that an average adult experiences a two percent to five percent reduction in metabolic rate every decade of life. Strength training after age 30 can reverse the natural slowing down of your metabolic rate.

You’ll increase your bone mineral density

Weight training strengthens your bones, reducing your risk of developing osteoporosis. Research has also shown that strengthening the muscles improves balance, thereby decreasing the incidence of falls. This in turn results in fewer bone fractures.

You’ll improve your glucose metabolism

Researchers have reported a 23 percent increase in glucose uptake after four months of strength training. Poor glucose metabolism is associated with Type 2 diabetes and this kind of training can decrease your risk and improve the management of the disorder.

You’ll reduce the incidence of lower back pain

Strength training improves your posture and makes you less prone to lower back injuries. Nothing makes you feel better than a strong back — you stand taller, feel stronger and exude a great sense of self-confidence. Strength training also improves balance and flexibility. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to be a strong woman!

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Best fake tan products

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Fake tanning products

Question

I want to stay out of the sun this summer, but still want to have a bit of colour. How do I use fake tan and make it look natural?

Eleanor, via email

Answer

Start by choosing the right shade for your skin colour. Don’t go for “dark” or “deep” shades if your skin is on the paler side. Also, decide which formula will be easiest for you to use. If you’re new to fake tanning, lotions give you more time to play with than quick-drying gels or foams. Exfoliating in the shower to eliminate dry, rough skin patches helps your tan to go on evenly and prevent streaky patches.

Don’t apply body lotion or moisturiser immediately before you tan because it can interfere with the fake tan’s absorption. To protect your palms from going orange, wear disposable rubber gloves. Mix an equal amount of moisturiser and tanner, and apply lightly to dry areas, such as your knees and elbows, which can “catch” more colour. Then take a small amount of fake tan and start from the tops of your feet, working up.

Make sure to massage in the product well, so you can’t see it, to help prevent streaking. Once you’ve finished your body, take off your gloves and use a cotton ball to blend colour onto the backs of your hands and between your fingers. After your colour develops (about three hours), apply moisturiser.

Don’t use any products that contain AHAs or glycolic acid, as their exfoliating action will cause your tan to fade. To maintain your tan, moisturise at least once every day and reapply fake tan once a week.

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Cracked heel help

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Helping heels

Question

How do I get rid of cracked heels?

Rania, Casula, NSW

Answer

Cracks or fissures in your heels occur when there’s a build-up of thick, dry skin, so it’s very important to exfoliate them regularly. A quick, easy-to-maintain routine starts by keeping a pedi-paddle handy in the shower. After showering, lightly towel-dry your feet and then, while they’re still damp, buff away the dead skin from your heels and the soles of your feet. Massage in a moisturising foot cream, such as Crabtree and Evelyn La Source Revitalising Foot Smoother, to make your feet feel silky smooth. For a combination moisturising and exfoliating treatment, apply a glycolic acid cream, such as MD Formulations Pedicreme, and then put on a pair of cotton socks before you go to bed. Keep in mind that going barefoot and wearing open-backed shoes can worsen the problem, so in summer it’s vital to pamper your feet. If your feet are beyond home help, you’ll need to see a podiatrist for treatment.

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Keep your skin fresh under your foundation

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Good foundation

Question

How can I stop my skin flaking under my foundation?

Tammie, via e-mail

Answer

It sounds like you need to start by prepping your skin before applying your foundation. Exfoliating and moisturising your skin every day is essential to give a smooth base for your foundation. You could also try using a primer, such as Napoleon Perdis Auto-Pilot Pre-Foundation Primer, after you moisturise, to smooth the texture of your skin and give extra staying power to your foundation. Make-up artist Sarah Tammer suggests using a cream foundation and recommends M.A.C Moistureblend Foundation. She advises using a gentle pressing motion with your fingers or a sponge when applying foundation, to help it blend into your skin.

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