Now to Love

Exclusive extract from Sparkles (Headline/Review) by Louise Bagshawe. ‘So,’ the lady said. ‘You have come at last.’ ‘Just so, madame,’ said Sophie, nervously. Her mother in law shook her head and made a little moue of annoyance with her thin lips. ‘Speak English, girl, for heaven’s sake,’ she snapped. ‘You were never any good at […]

1. Go on a reading course. Nobody wants to hear this, everybody ignores it. It’s not sexy advice. But it matters. To write in a given style you must steep yourself in that style. Say you want to write a chick lit book. Before you start, pop down to your bookstore. Get the Shopaholic books, […]

We eat out for all sorts of reasons – to celebrate a special occasion, to entertain an important client or simply to catch up with friends and have a great time. Therefore you are being a little unrealistic not to eat out just because you’re trying to lose weight. However, eating out need not “blow […]

A race such as the Forster Ironman Triathlon places huge demands on your body physically and emotionally. As well as dehydration, the key challenge your body faces is carbohydrate depletion. That’s why it’s essential to plan ahead and adjust your diet just before the big event. Three days before Muscle glycogen stores will be challenged […]

Some days are so hectic, emergency measures are called for to create some calm. Progressive relaxation requires no special equipment — just a floor. Note: Your body temperature will drop, so have a light rug handy. Lie down, and close your eyes. Breathe in deeply through your nose, and out through your mouth. Focus on […]

Question I have cropped, boy-short hair. I love the military style that is in this winter, as well as the vests and hats. How do I wear these and look feminine at the same time? Jess, via e-mail. Answer To keep your look feminine with these winter trends make sure you add a feminine element […]

Question I have excessively dry skin all over my body, as well as dandruff. Can you recommend anything? Joan, East Ringwood, Vic. Answer Naturopath and herbalist Penelope Sach says excessively dry skin needs to be treated both internally and externally. For a topical application, she suggests twice-daily treatment with an at-home “miracle worker” cream that […]

Question: I am not a person who can spend an hour doing my make-up. Is there a quick routine you can tell me about? Michelle, Croydon, NSW. Answer: According to make-up artist Napoleon Perdis, your daily routine can be fast and simple. Follow his “five steps in five minutes” advice. Step 1: Skin. Start with […]

Question: What is the best treatment to keep my wavy hair straight without doing any damage and making it frizz too much? Kelly Cook, Wangaratta, VIC. Answer: Anthony Nader of RAW salon in Darlinghurst, Sydney, suggests taming wavy hair by using products that contain lanolin for moisture, such as Schwarzkopf ExtraCare ZeroFrizz Finishing Polish, $5, […]

Melissa Doyle always knew it would be the children who’d touch her heart. Earlier this month, the devoted mother of two made a six-day dash away from her job as co-host of the Seven Network’s Sunrise program, to the icy steppes of Mongolia where — as World Vision’s Guardian Angel — she distributed handmade Aussie […]