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Eye-popping advice

Lash curler

Question

I have small, deep-set eyes. How can I make them look bigger?

L. Tran, West Perth, WA

Answer

Make-up artist Napoleon Perdis says, “When it comes to making up your eyes, aim to keep them fresh and open in appearance. It is best to use highlight colours, such as pearls and shimmers [try Napoleon Perdis Ultra Pearl in Sand Beige], as opposed to dark and matt colours, which will make the eyes appear smaller. You may add some shade to the outer edges to give length to the eye, but keep it simple. Curl the lashes to open the eyes and apply two coats of mascara, concentrating on the outer corners. False lashes are great for making the eyes appear larger. Plucking untidy eyebrow hairs can open the space more as well.”

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Hair loss help

Vitamins

Everyone experiences daily hair loss to some degree — it’s part of the normal hair cycle, which goes through growth and resting phases.

According to David Salinger, director of the International Society of Trichologists (hair and scalp specialists), we lose an average of about 60 to 70 hairs each day. While this is completely normal, he says that a change in the rate of hair loss may be cause for concern and should be investigated by a professional.

“Your hair does reflect your health and most excessive hair loss relates to something wrong internally.” A hormone imbalance, underlying disease or certain medications may cause more than normal hair loss. So, to maintain ultimate hair health, David suggests eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. Aim to eat protein at every meal because it is essential for good hair growth. Minerals are also important, so if you want to take a supplement, a good multivitamin and mineral could be beneficial. Also, “low iron levels are a common cause of hair loss” for women, David says, “so have your iron levels tested if you’re concerned.”

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How not to overcook your Christmas cake

Christmas cake

Question

It’s that time of year and I’m busy in the kitchen preparing Christmas treats galore, however, I’m having trouble achieving the perfect Christmas fruit cake. After it’s cooked, I find that the bottom of the cake is burnt and the top of the cake has large cracks in it. Can you tell me what I’m doing so wrong?!

Answer

It sounds like all of your problems have been caused by a very hot oven. Fruit cakes will burn on the bottom or crack on top if they’re baked at too high a temperature. Make sure you set your oven to the exact temperature given in the recipe. The burnt bottom can also occur if the cake is wrongly positioned in the oven. Or if the pans are lined incorrectly. Fruit cakes require protection during long, slow baking times. Cakes that are 22cm or smaller require three thicknesses of baking-paper lining. Larger cakes need one or two sheets of brown paper and three sheets of baking paper.

Pics: Rob Shaw/ bauersyndication.com.au

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AIDS Awareness Week

AIDS Awareness Week

It seems we haven’t heard too much about HIV/AIDS lately. However AIDS Awareness Week runs from Friday, November 24 to World AIDS Day on Friday, December 1. Fittingly, the theme is ‘HIV/AIDS — Let’s talk about it: many faces, different stories.’

Here are some fascinating facts and figures about HIV/AIDS, compiled by the AIDS Trust of Australia.

  • Up to 15,300 Australians are currently living with HIV/AIDS.

  • An average of 345 diagnoses of HIV infection have been notified each year in NSW over the past five years.

  • By the end of 2005, 22,361 Australians had been infected with HIV, 9,872 had been diagnosed with AIDS and 6,668 had died.

  • Populations traditionally considered to have been at lower risk in Australia, including heterosexuals, are experiencing slow but steady increases in HIV infection over time.

  • The HIV/AIDS epidemic has claimed over 25 million lives, including 3.1 million deaths in 2005, worldwide.

  • Approximately 40 million people are currently living with HIV worldwide, including two million children.

  • Globally, women now comprise more than forty percent of all adults living with HIV/AIDS.

  • Every minute, almost 80 people are infected with HIV around the world.

  • In Australia, in 2005 there were 950 new diagnoses of HIV infection and 194 new AIDS diagnoses.

  • Worldwide HIV/AIDS has become a disease of young people, with young adults aged 15-24 accounting for more than forty percent of the 4.9 million new cases of HIV infection worldwide in 2005.

  • The age profile of HIV in Australia is very different to the global trend. For example, in NSW, the largest proportion of HIV notifications are among people aged 30-39 and 40-49 years.

  • Every day, an estimated 1,900 children become infected with HIV/AIDS, equating to more than one child every minute.

During AIDS Awareness Week, Red Ribbons are sold as the international symbol of HIV and AIDS awareness. Money raised through the sale of Red Ribbons go towards support services for people living with HIV/AIDS including medical services, counseling services, support and peer education groups.

For more information visit: www.worldaidsday.org.au

You can also contact the AIDS Trust of Australia on: 1800 689 188 / www.aidstrust.com.au

AND the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations: www.afao.org.au

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Fun and games

My name is Jess and this is a pic of my beautiful Mini Pomeranian, Tonka who is 3 years old! Enjoy!

— Jess and Tonka

Zero gravity!

Our Golden Retriver Keria loves to swim!

— Justin M, Phuket Thailand

This is my Maltese Shitzhu, Jessie. She’s about 6 weeks old here.

A face only a mother could love.

This is Susie, she is 6 weeks old and so cute and cuddly.

— Karley

This is my beautiful Jack Russell, Polly, after a hard day on life saving patrol at the beach.

— Sian

This is my first daughter, even if she is a dog, at least I could be granted a baby girl that has Cindy Crawfords looks (stuning), high intelligence level, and very cheeky when it counts. Her name is Shebo (named after our fav winter spot Thredbo). My three sons and I tell her every day just how sexy she is (or beautiful). We have two more huskys that are just as adorable and 1000s of pics of them all.

This is Popo my Golden Retriever playing with my bf’s sneakers.

— Cheers! Dan

Katie

This is Princess Katie, she is one year old and has her owners wrapped around her paws.

— Jim and Cheryl

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Six tips to survive Christmas (without having to strangle anyone)

Christmas bits and bobs

Forget peace on earth and goodwill to all men: Christmas can be a nightmare. Here’s how to rise above the pressure:

  1. Shop smart

Resist the temptation to spend, spend, spend. Do-it-yourself gifts, like a framed photo or homemade jam, not only save you money, they mean more than shop-bought items. Other money-saving ideas include having the family agree that you’ll only buy presents for children and giving ‘time vouchers’ instead, such as one hour’s babysitting, an afternoon’s weed-pulling).

  1. Aim for relative peace

One reason Christmas is so tense is that it’s often one of the few times the family gets together. The solution is to think through all the potential difficulties and challenges ahead of time. For example, if a ‘problem’ person is coming to visit, work out a coping strategy, such as doing safe things, like playing board games or cards, or going for a walk after lunch or dinner.

  1. Lower your expectations

Don’t try to make Christmas perfect — it won’t be. Decide that you’ll be happy if you have a nice day with good food and a few laughs. If things end up better than you expected, that’s a bonus. Keep it simple — you don’t need to have a huge tree, design your own greeting cards, and bake your own mince pies. Settle for a big bunch of flowers, some scented candles and a sentimental favourite like Nat King Cole on the CD player.

  1. Pamper your partner

Any problems bubbling under the surface of your relationship will inevitably come to a head at Christmas — your partner still won’t help around the house and you still won’t get on with your in-laws. Make the most of the holidays by setting aside time for activities to do together as a couple.

  1. Delegate

There’s no reason why everyone in the house shouldn’t help out. Decide in advance whose job it is to wrap presents or set the table. If everyone knows what their task is, there will be fewer arguments. If you’re hosting Christmas dinner, ask guests to bring the starter and/or a salad or dessert, so you only have to tackle the main course. If you just can’t cope with cooking, organise to eat out.

  1. Run away

Not spending the day with parents or relatives can be interpreted as not loving them enough, but if you really want to escape, don’t feel guilty: reassure them that you’ll see them before you go and when you get back. If you are separated from family and friends through work or distance, helping out in a shelter for the homeless or delivering meals for the elderly can be very rewarding when everything seems so commercial.

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Hay rolls

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I stole my mother’s fiancé

I was always a precocious teenager. I blossomed early in life and quickly learnt how to use it, much to my mother’s chagrin. I was the only child of a single parent who worked late shifts to make ends meet. I always dated older guys and if my mother warned me against it, I would simply dump him and date someone older and more dangerous.

I was 18 when I met the love of my life, Ari. He was everything I, as a troubled 18 year old, wasn’t and instead of running a mile, I actually wanted to settle down with him. He was mature, level headed and broodingly attractive — and he cooked a mean lasagne to boot. He was like the antithesis of every guy I had ever dated and I fell hook, line and sinker.

Unfortunately, when he met my mother, so did he.

We dated for a year until he broke it to me that I was the wrong woman for him — he wanted to upgrade to the older model. I moved out of home soon after he broke up with me to pursue my mother and, in my childish rage, I blamed her entirely. She never let anything happen with him and he eventually stopped pursuing her, but the pain took far longer to fade for me.

Five years passed and one hot summer’s day I went home for my mother’s fiftieth birthday party. I thought I’d gotten over the whole Ari situation, but seeing my mum’s face brought the pain flooding back. As I stood in the kitchen trying to block out memories of Ari looking at my mum with puppy dog eyes all those years ago, a distinguished looking man stepped into my line of sight and extended his hand. He was my mother’s new boyfriend and, unknown to me, soon to be fiancé. Justin was younger than her by a good 10 years and like I had with Ari five years earlier, I fell for him.

We started off seeing each other in secret. He promised he would end things with my mother when the time was right, but as the months passed it became clear the time was never going to be right.

My mother caught us in a passionate embrace on a night that will forever be burnt into my memory. I saw the hurt flash in her eyes, before I turned and ran from the room. After dinner one night at Justin’s bachelor pad, the two of us had been playing dress-ups for fun and over my usually platinum locks was a long black wig. Heavy kohl lined my eyes and my lips were painted deep red. I was almost unrecognisable, which is how I got away with it. We didn’t hear the key turn in the lock, but I heard her stifled gasp as she stood in the doorway. I didn’t give her time to get any closer, I ran out through the laundry door, hearing her shrieks as I disappeared into the night.

Looking back, I realise I only got involved with Justin to soothe my wounded pride, wounded pride that I blamed my entirely innocent mother for. And because of my actions I ruined her one true chance at love. She loved Justin deeply, in a way she hadn’t done since my father left her and in a way she may never do again. And I have only myself to blame.

Picture posed by model.

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Christmas party beauty tips

Happy to ditch their hospital scrubs for party frocks, Jacinta Stapleton and Tammy MacIntosh joined their All Saints co-stars at one of Sydney Harbour’s most glamorous mansions for a casual-but-chic feast.

Celebrity make-up artist Chris Coonrod and award-winning hairdresser David Keough created our All Saints looks for the party season. Follow their step-by-step instructions on how you can copy Jacinta and Tammy’s “star” looks.

Get Jacinta’s look

Make-up: We chose a pale foundation to match Jacinta’s skin tone. Black eyeliner was applied close to lashes, accentuated at the outer corner of her eye. A soft gold loose powder eyeshadow was swept over the entire eye area, as her ’60s-style look means it’s all about the eyeliner. To match her short black hair and fair skin, a cherry-red lipstick was applied and a reddish-toned blush swept onto the apples of her cheeks.

Chris’s tips:

Always curl lashes before applying mascara. When applying eyeliner, begin at the inner corner of the eye, carry the liner to the edge of the eye then wing it up slightly to elongate the eye. I also added individual eyelashes onto the corners of the eyes to accentuate her look. Blot and then re-apply lipstick for long-lasting wear. I also used a lip liner first to prevent bleeding.

Hair: David defined Jacinta’s haircut by applying a volumiser to lift the shorter layers at the back for height, but kept the front looking natural and smooth. He then blow-dried it down with a round brush and finished with a light shine serum.

Get Tammy’s look

Make-up: A golden beige foundation was mixed with a few drops of liquid bronzer and applied with a damp make-up sponge. Lashes were curled and individual lashes applied to the outer corners of eyes. A smoky eye was created using a metallic gold cream on the eyelid first, with a shimmery brown powder brushed over the top. As the cream is gold and the powder brown, the gold seeps through. A soft pink lip gloss was brushed onto lips and an orange cream blush swept over the cheekbones.

Chris’s tips:

On a hot summer’s day try to avoid cream blushes as they tend to run or sink into the skin. Always set it with a powder brush for staying power.

Hair: A volumiser was applied from the roots to the ends to thicken Tammy’s fine hair and lift the roots. The hair was blow-dried with different-sized brushes to draw attention to her layers and highlights. The style was finished with hairspray and then a frizz cream applied to make it look fuller.

See this week’s issue of Woman’s Day for Alexandra Davies and Judith McGrath’s beauty tips. Plus: an interview with the All Saints cast!

Jacinta wears:

Basque dress, $179 from Myer.

RMK heels, $109.95.

Olga Berg bag, $19.95.

Equip charm bracelet, $12.95.

Citizen watch bracelet, $550.

Remington Salon One, $33.95

RPR Make Me Shine Ultra Light Glossing Spray 100ml, $15.95

Natio Natural Skin Foundation 40ml, $17.95

Dior Show Unlimited Mascara in No. 090, $49

The Body Shop Loose Face Powder, $24.95

Bloom Lip Definer in Lusciously Lined, $20

e.l.f Brightening Eye Liner in Midnight, $2.95

Aveda Petal Essence Cheek Colour in Plum Fresco, $29.95

Jane Iredale Pure Moist Lip Colour in Carrie, $36

Cozmetic Lab Mineral Makeup Loose Powder Eyeshadow in Cape York, $22.30

Bobbi Brown Mini Nail Opaque in Tomato, $20

Tammy wears:

Monica dress, $299.95.

Mollini heels, $148.

Bio Ionic Intensive Ion-Smoothing Brush, $42

Fudge Unleaded DeFrizz Natural, $19.95

Max Factor Bronzing Powder, $24.95

Yves Saint Laurent Perfect Touch Foundation in No. 9 Honey 40ml, $76

Covergirl Continuous Nail Polish in Tickled Pink, $8.90

L’Oreal Paris Colour Appeal Mono Eye Shadow in Crystal Brown, $15.95

Rimmel Metallic Cream Shadow in 014 Hoxton, $9.95

Designer Brands Mascara in Black, $6.99

L’Oreal Paris Glam Shine Juice in Nude, $21.95

Prestige Love Lipliner, $11.95

Avon Soft Mousse Blush in Cedar Rose, $14.99

Clinique Cream Shaper For Eyes in Brown Sugar, $32

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Diet yoyo’s

Judy Davie

‘I’ve been on so many diets, have lost some weight, but never enough. Before I know it, I’m off the diet and the weight’s piled on again. Can you help?’

If losing weight were as simple as making the decision to cut down on food until we’d lost what we needed to, the entire nation would be slim. Many people have a relationship with food and/or alcohol that extends beyond their basic physical need for nutrition and energy. It provides oral satisfaction and can fill gaps in other areas of life where they feel dissatisfied.

In most cases it’s a need for love. Perhaps they’re in an unsatisfying relationship or desperately wanting a relationship. Perhaps it stems from not feeling loved as a child. Whatever the reason, food becomes the love. It’s guaranteed, reliable and can be drawn upon whenever we feel we need love.

Recognising that happiness can only be found within ourselves is a key to freeing yourself from the debilitating needy love of food. Rather than looking for love from others, consider ways to love yourself more.

The great thing about life is that it’s constantly changing and even though there are times in life where we feel we’re in Groundhog Day, your current situation will eventually change.

Much of this is about changing the mindset and self talk. Try this exercise in visualisation each and every day as you start to change your relationship with food.

Visualisation exercise

Visualise your life as a slow-moving wheel. It will move in a direction or you can steer it in the direction you want it to go.

Imagine you start pushing your wheel today. Think about where you are going, cut down your food intake, decide to cut out snacking, change what you eat to healthier but enjoyable foods, drink more water and take yourself out to exercise every day.

Remember your wheel is always turning. Keep pushing it as you start to shed weight. Continue with your new eating habits, but consider them normal. Keep pushing your wheel and feel proud of what you’ve achieved.

Notice your attitude to other things changing as you push your wheel in the direction you want your life to go. Things you may once have tolerated are no longer acceptable. When you started pushing your wheel, you didn’t have the courage to deal with these issues, but now you do and you wonder why it seemed so hard back then. Keep pushing. You’re feeling good. You look good. You’re enjoying wearing clothes you wouldn’t have worn once. Keep pushing. You venture out to do things you once wouldn’t have had the confidence or energy to do. Your wheel is still turning. New people are coming into your life: they are seeking you out. Keep pushing. You’re enjoying the company of others when once you were too insecure to participate in conversation that easily. And the wheel still turns.

Look back to when you started pushing your wheel. Where have you come to? It was your effort which got you here — you love yourself.

And finally, if you can forgive the cliché, remember it won’t happen overnight, but it will happen. Eventually, with acceptance, you’ll start enjoying the journey and not the destination.

‘I’ve heard that fructose is better than sugar for weight loss and health. Is this true?’

Fructose is a sugar naturally occurring in fruit, but it is also available as a sweetener twice as sweet as sucrose (in sugar).

Fruit is a good source of fibre, vitamins and many antioxidants and as such is a great food to include in the daily diet. On its own, however, fructose is not superior to sugar and plays no role in providing nutritional value. In fact, in excess it can have some adverse effects on the body. Irritable bowel syndrome, accelerating aging, gout, increased risk of heart disease, kidney stones and cancer are just a few reasons you shouldn’t supplement sugar for fructose.

Better to cut down on your overall food intake.

‘I’ve heard sushi rice has a lower GI than other rice. I have just been diagnosed with diabetes and have to lose weight and manage my blood sugar levels. Can I continue to eat sushi?’

Until recently, experts believed sushi rice (or koshikari rice) had a low GI, but reports are coming through to suggest that the previous research on the GI of sushi rice was incorrect. To be on the safe side, until we have conclusive research you might be better staying away from white rice altogether and eating more unusual low-GI grains like brown rice, quinoa, bulgur, freekeh, oats, barley and grainy breads.

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