Now to Love

I have started an exercise program (finally!) and I am keen to know if there's anything I can take to give me an extra energy boost. K.Z., via email

It is hard to find people who have not encountered Harry Potter, the loveable bespectacled boy wizard who has wild, unruly black hair and a trademark lightning scar down his forehead – a legacy of his run-in as a baby with the evil, dark, lord, Voldemart. If you are one of those people who have […]

Author of the month whose book, The Future Homemakers of America, is featured in The Australian Women’s Weekly, November issue. Here, the acclaimed English writer talks about writing, her book and her extraordinary life-style and a love affair that began with a lonely hearts ad. Q You live in Venice, of all places? A Yes, […]

Looking for Andrew McCarthy by Jenny Coglan, HarperCollins, $26.95 That big 3-0 birthday looms large for Ellie as she realises that life isn’t all it was cracked up to be when she was a starry-eyed 20. She and a gang of old friends decide to hunt down Andrew, apparently the only one of their crowd […]

From Best Sellers for Fairs & Fetes Measurements Finished bags measure approximately 17cm x 25cm but measurements can be adapted to make smaller or larger bags. Materials 38cm x 19cm satin, brocade, silk dupion, or other evening fabric 66cm x 19cm contrast fabric for lining and border 0.6cm twisted satin cord or braid scraps of […]

Can the foods you eat shift your mood as well as stop you feeling hungry? The latest research reveals you can do anything from overcome depression to improve your memory – simply by choosing the right food. To boost energy levels, choose: Protein-rich foods: seafood (prawns, fish, scallops, mussels); turkey; low-fat milk or yoghurt. Foods […]

Try to make time for five minutes of quiet meditation and reflection every day. It stills the mind, combats stress, and mentally prepares you for what you have to do next. Meditation exercise Sit in any position that feels comfortable and close your eyes. Keep your head upright, shoulders relaxed. Start to breathe steadily and […]

You will need: White duvet cover White pillowcase Sheet of cardboard for stencils Carbon paper (if not photocopying) Scalpel or Stanley knife Waterproof spray paint Fabric paints in light and dark green, light and dark blue, yellow and orange and pink and red Paintbrush Sheet of cardboard, for separating covers Note: You can use bought […]

Design your own variety of stunning candles from one simple base. Tips and terms: *Always wear protective clothing (gloves and an apron) when making candles. *Never leave wax unattended over heat -at temperatures of more than 100°C, it is likely to catch fire *Work on a protected surface as you are likely to spill drops […]

Teddy bear candles Make cute teddy bear candles in a food mould, following our instructions for making Moulded candles. When the wax has hardened, remove the candle from the mould. Carefully push a warmed metal skewer through the top of the bear into the body and insert a length of wick into this hole. Melt […]