An overweight 12-year-old boy from Sydney’s western suburbs became an international sensation this week, when a video of him lashing out at a school bully went ‘viral’ online. The boy, known only as ‘Casey’, is the unwitting star of the clip that was filmed on a mobile phone in the grounds of Chifley College’s Dunheved […]

For now, fashion isn’t about trends, per se. Words such as minimalism, pared-back and subtle (meaning simple and classic, in non-fashion speak) have dominated the last few seasons, with designers giving women the kind of clothes that feed our pent-up desire for grown-up, flattering, and simple but sexy dressing. Thankfully, it seems fashion has become […]

For years I thought poppies were one of the glories of spring and summer — stunning sprawls of California poppies in vivid orange, yellows, reds and even cream and white, flagrantly elegant oriental poppies. They’re the sort of flower you stop and stare at because you can’t believe that one thin-stemmed bloom could look quite […]

Retirement. Snooze. Investments. Yawn. It’s ironic; while financial security is what most of us strive for, it’s an area where we’re likely to bury our heads in the sand. In 2007, The Financial Literacy Foundation reported around 31 percent of adults think dealing with money is boring, while another 48 percent found money matters completely […]

Just days after designer John Galliano’s anti-Semitic comments, the fashion industry has again prompted outrage, this time by featuring cigarette smoking on the catwalk. British supermodel Kate Moss defied anti-smoking laws in France and smoked on the runway during a Louis Vuitton show at Paris Fashion Week. In pictures: Million dollar bodies The incident coincided […]

March is the perfect time to get trim and terrific – not you (though gardening is a great tummy trimmer and stress buster), but your trees and shrubs.

Question: I’ve planted a small herb garden, using basil, oregano, marjoram, sage and thyme, and it is now flourishing. Can any of these herbs be frozen or dried for future use? Answer: Herbs may be used fresh or dried. Many are better fresh, but some, including oregano, marjoram, thyme and bay leaves, flavour food best […]

Do you find teenagers to be vain, self-obsessed and materialistic with an infuriating sense of entitlement? Many people attribute these feelings to being old, grumpy and disillusioned, but a US study has another theory: we feel that way because it’s true. Jean Twenge, a professor of psychology at San Diego State University presented a paper […]

This weekend’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade will have a political message, rallying against the federal law that prohibits same-sex marriages. With gay marriage high on the national agenda, Mardi Gras isn’t missing the chance to tap into the debate, featuring an estimated 15 floats dedicated to the issue. “We are planning something huge […]

Angela Carter’s Book of Wayward Girls & Wicked Women edited by Angela Carter, Virago, $35 A revolutionary and pioneering collection of short stories about mad and bad women, written by women writers, including Angela Carter, this anthology was first published in 1986, just six years before Carter’s premature death at 51. In the preface she […]

Somewhere in between a midi and a maxi, a new length of skirt arrived during the spring-summer shows and looks set to stay for autumn. The hem hovers a few centimetres above the ankle, and looks beautifully chic on the genetically blessed blondes wafting down the runway, but can it work for the rest of […]

One in four Australian students will be bullied at school this year. Bryce Corbett talks to TV presenter Ruby Rose about how she overcame the bullies who made her school days hell. Ruby Rose: “It only really started when I got to high school. I was never really one of those kids who blended in. […]

It’s Hollywood’s night of nights and while much time is spent debating the merit of the nominees, most people are far more interested in the fashion. Here is The Weekly‘s list of the best-dressed women of 2011. The big winners at the 83rd annual Academy Awards: Best Picture: The King’s Speech Best Actress: Natalie Portman, […]

Mia Freedman talks about making her kids’ wardrobe look good, no matter what life brings. The best advice I ever got about motherhood is this: If someone gives your child an item of clothing you don’t like, make it disappear. Because kids have a finely tuned radar for knowing just how much you hate that […]

He hasn’t got a working prototype yet, but a UK man has invented a wristband that would theoretically change colour when his wife is suffering from pre-menstrual tension (PMT). Karl Dorn, 43, a plasterer from Essex, has called the device “Help for Husbands”. He said it would work, in theory, by monitoring the body temperature […]

According to global statistics, the popularity of online dating is at an all-time high. With the “desperate and dateless” stigma long gone, many are swapping the club scene for computer screens as a fun and efficient way to find love. In fact, a US survey commissioned by dating website Match.com found that during 2009-10 more […]

To the delight of the public, several Australian banks have decided to abolish mortgage exit fees in the past few weeks, but it's not all good news.

Supermodel, mum and businesswoman Elle Macpherson returned to her roots this week for a modelling stint in Sydney. Elle, who turns 48 next month, jetted into her homeland to take part in the launch show for the new Virgin Blue uniform, designed by Project Runway winner Juli Grbac. To unveil the stylish uniforms, Virgin Blue […]

Most vegetables come from a family where they share similar characteristics. One family you may not have heard of before is the lily family, which includes onions, garlic, leeks, turnips — and asparagus. Like the other members of its family, asparagus is grown mostly below the ground. You are probably familiar with the green variety […]

What are our male counterparts doing differently? And is it working?

Question: I have tried numerous different ways to boil eggs, but each time the yolk is either too hard or the white is undercooked, and it is not until you cut open the egg that you know! Please can you tell me how I should boil eggs to achieve a nice runny yolk to dip […]

Children with ADHD should be placed on special diets to identify foods that may trigger disruptive behaviour before behaviour-changing drugs are considered, Dutch researchers have recommended. Researchers from the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre in the Netherlands found that significant improvements were found when children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were given a controlled […]

A recent survey has revealed Australians disapprove of IVF sex selection but would prefer a “balanced” family with one girl and one boy. The study, led by Dr Rebecca Kippen from the School of Population Health at the University of Melbourne, found that 69 percent of respondents disapproved of the use of IVF for sex […]

A sparkling diamond knuckle-duster or a pair of pretty gold earrings says a lot about your style and taste. But, when it comes to human rights and the environment, there is another side to jewellery — and it’s not pretty. For decades, precious metals and stones have been mined in some of the world’s poorest […]

Can a mother’s eating habits while pregnant affect her child? A new study suggests, it might. It’s well known that rats that are underfed during pregnancy produce fat babies with metabolic problems. To do the same studies with humans is difficult. Yet a “natural” experiment was provided during World War II when the German invasion […]

Have you really done your research to ensure that you're getting the right deal to suit you?

Question: What can I wear to work when it’s boiling hot outside without exposing too much skin? Answer: Dressing for the summer season is not as breezy as one might hope. While spaghetti straps, short skirts, shorts and flip-flops are not appropriate office attire, there are a few easy ways to keep cool while still […]

This is the season for jam makers. Even better, it’s the season when gardeners with laden trees give baskets full of fruit to jam enthusiasts — and the jam makers say “thank you” by giving the gardeners a jar or two of their best conserves. Homemade jam is rich in fruit and fragrant because it’s […]

Kale chips anyone? What veggies to eat boiled, raw or roasted.

A 61-year-old US woman has given birth to her own grandson after offering to be a surrogate for her daughter. Kristine Casey gave birth to a healthy baby boy named Finnean at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Illinois, where she was cheered on by her daughter Sara Connell and her husband Bill, who are the biological […]

This year’s award season has seen a sea of green frocks hitting the red carpet and it’s hard to miss the big names who are embracing the new colour from emerald green to florescent shades. Angelina Jolie, Catherine Zeta Jones and Mila Kunis are just some of the stylish celebrities who stepped out in different […]

Melt the heart of your loved one this Valentine’s Day with some of these delicious and tantalising treats! Why not start your Valentine’s Day off with a bang by surprising your sweetheart with an aphrodisiac-infused breakfast in bed of Honeyed figs with toasted fruit bread? Figs are a known aphrodisiac! If you’re staying in for […]

Hey big spender, here's how to manage your finances, avoid interest and get closer to your monetary and material goals.

Wearing the perfect colours can revitalise your look and take years off your appearance, so define and refine your style with the knowledge of which colours suit you best. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the vast choices of clothes available in the shops or by your own mishmash of a wardrobe then this is […]

Flowers are not an ingredient we typically include in our cooking, but many herbs and plants produce blossoms that are edible and make a stylish and delicious addition to common recipes. Flowers you can use Arugula or rocket is commonly used in salads but the plant also produces small pale lavender or white flowers, which […]

Now is as better time as ever to have the "I think we should see other people" conversation with your credit card.

High heels and the summer party season do not need to go hand in hand. If you find you’re unable to wear heels of any height due to foot problems, this dilemma can be easily solved with a pair of jewelled summer sandals or ballet flats. A pair of dressy sandals in metallic leather embellished […]

He has been named the king of the corset and now Australian fashion designer Alex Perry can add successful jewellery designer to his list of achievements, following the release of his third jewellery line with Diva. His new high summer collection includes stunning jewelled neck pieces, pretty soft chiffon bracelets and feathered drop earrings all […]

Question What’s the best way to keep your clothes looking new longer? Is it in the way they’re washed? Jess, via e-mail. Answer Besides wearing your clothes, washing will also contribute to their worn out look. To keep your clothes looking new longer, here are a few tips. Make sure you separate your whites, blacks […]

Pears are possibly the easiest fruit tree to grow (although, arguably, plums could compete for that spot!). It’s hard to kill a pear tree. As long as your climate gets some frosts each winter — in other words, as far north as Brisbane — you can grow a pear tree. In subtropics and tropics, though, […]

Do you remember what it was like to get pocket money? You might’ve got 50 cents a week, if you were lucky, to save up for that toy you so desperately wanted. These days the amount and frequency of pocket money has become more like a bank formula than a simple savings idea. When to […]

Once called the Pearl Princess of WA, Marilynne Paspaley feels at home in the remote pearling port where her family made its fortune.

**Dear Fashion Team, How do I add a bright colour to my wardrobe??** Imogen, NSW Answer: Dear Imogen, Our favourite way to bring in a statement shade is through an accessory. An easy way to add colour is to choose a bright pair of shoes or a bag and wear them with a neutral-coloured outfit, […]

A test has been designed by US scientists that aims to accurately predict whether a relationship will be a success. Using a specially designed quiz, researchers correctly predicted whether more than 50 couples would still be together or have thrown in the towel over a 12 month period, the UK’sDaily Telegraphreported. The test, carried out […]

With society’s idealised image of beauty a painfully thin size zero, it has never been more important to ensure that your teenage daughter has a healthy body image and does not lean toward self-harm as she aspires to conform. Award-winning educator Dannielle Miller, CEO of Enlighten Education, asks, “What conversations aren’t we having with our […]

At just eight years of age, Romeo Beckham has beaten the likes of Prince William and Jude Law to take out the number 26 spot in Britain’s GQ magazine 50 best-dressed men list. The youngster landed himself only 10 spots behind his football star dad David Beckham, who came in at number 16. Romeo has […]

Some married men might enjoy this news more than their wives, but UK researchers have found that husbands are more attractive to other women than single men. Psychology researchers at the University of Stirling and University of Aberdeen have found that when deciding if someone is attractive, we take our cues from others, the UK’s […]

FOR THE LOVE OF NATURE: E. E. GOSTELOW’S BIRDS & FLOWERS BY CHRISTOBEL MATTINGLEY, NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA, $29.95. An unexpected gem of a book, not just for the delicate colour plates of Australian wildflowers and birds, but for the story of the man who painted them. Born in 1866, Ebenezer Edward Gostelow was a […]

STORIES OF LOVE & WAR BY REBECCA BRITT, NEW HOLLAND PUBLISHERS AUSTRALIA, $35. The pain of longing for a loved one is exquisite. Yet when that emotion is set against the backdrop of war, it is almost too heart-wrenching to contemplate. In this beautiful collection of love stories from The Australian War Memorial, author Rebecca […]

When it comes to nutritional supplements for the mother-to-be, folic acid — the B-group vitamin that is critical for helping to prevent birth defects such as spina bifida — gets all the press. However, several studies suggest that choline, a less well-known water-soluble nutrient that is also classed with the B-group vitamins, is just as […]

Nothing beats the thrill of a pillowcase stuffed with toys – even now. So it was, so it is, so I hope it will always be. The sound of Christmas of my childhood is the sound of Christmas now, and I hope until my last year on earth. It is the marvellous thump-thump-thump-THUMP of the […]

Commitment phobia is real. Seek comfort in knowing that it might be getting easier to switch from one money lender to another.

If chillies weren’t so delicious (in small amounts, unless you love dragon’s breath) we’d grow them for their beauty. A chilli bush in full fruit is a stunning plant: bright green leaves and even brighter red fruit that hangs there for months. As I write this I’m looking out at our beds of perennial chillies […]

Have you ever asked yourself, “What makes me happy?” Your answer might be your good health, seeing your family healthy or liking what you see in the mirror. But these answers differ greatly from those identified by Canadian and US researchers who claim that your happiness, or lack thereof, might rest in your spouses’ hands. […]

Ah the great property debate. To rent or to buy? Is there even a right answer anymore?

Spending a half an hour working in the garden can be magic. It will relax you, tone your muscles, help make you happy, provide vitamin D from the sunlight — and you may even create something wonderful, just in half an hour. (This doesn’t count the time spent in the garden centre. Garden centres can […]

It’s hard to believe that supermodel and former chief Victoria’s Secret model Heidi Klum was once told she needed to lose weight and chop off her long blonde hair to be a successful model. Now the 37-year-old mother-of-four has revealed she refused to bow down to the pressure of the cutthroat modelling industry. “People were […]

Looks as though that little piece of plastic can get you into even more trouble at Christmas, with credit card providers giving you a gift of their own in the form of higher rates.

When Vision Australia merged with Seeing Eye Dogs Australia a year ago, they welcomed a new breed of volunteer — the puppy carer! These canine-friendly helpers give round-the-clock service by providing loving homes for the puppies that go on to train to be Seeing Eye Dogs. Dennis and Gail Rowatt had wanted to become puppy […]

Many parents today may believe their children have a lot more distractions than what they did as a kid with the invention of Facebook and texting, but is this really the case? US child psychologist Professor Douglas Gentile says Facebook and texting aren’t any better or worse than what today’s parents did as teens: watch […]

Want to be red-carpet ready every time you step foot out the door? Live by these simple top five fashion rules and you will. You can’t go wrong with black: If you can’t decide what to wear and in a hurry, all black is best. A designer bag never goes out of style: It’s never […]

For the ultimate in rest, relaxation and food vacation, don't miss Penang's Golden Sands Resorts, writes Shonagh Walker.

It's the news online shoppers and travellers have been waiting for, with the Aussie dollar almost on par with the US.

Here at AWW.com.au HQ we are constantly asked “What fashion pieces should I bother picking up this season?” And what a good question. Inspiration for trends comes from runways the world over but it can be hard to identify which styles and pieces you should seek out. We’ve done the hard work for you and […]

In spring salvias bloom red, blue, purple and yellow. They have enormous bushes, taller than I am, with spires of flowers and dozens of eastern spinebills and other birds sipping at the nectar. By midsummer there are great banks of rich purple flowers that keep giving a stunning show all summer long. At Christmas the […]

It looks like Keira Knightley is bringing the bob back. The chic star was spotted sporting her new ‘do at the Chanel show during Paris Fashion Week recently. The 25-year-old actress is one of the most recent celebrities to have trialled the tailored look. From Victoria Beckham to Anne Hathaway, many celebrities have chopped and […]

A US study has found that teenagers diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are far more likely to have suicidal tendencies compared to other teens. The University of Maryland research team surveyed 248 young people aged nine to 18 years, of whom half had been diagnosed with ADHD as young children, the UK’s Daily […]

India’s most southern state is a mesmerising, prosperous, tropical paradise, writes Mike Dolan.

Finding the time to compare different providers is a mission in itself, understanding the small print is a different story altogether.

So what are you waiting for? If you're looking for more of a reason to jump online and shop, here's why it can actually be worth your while.

Can your ongoing dedication come with a hefty price?

When it comes to maintaining a (very) happy and healthy sex life within your long-term relationship, the key is good communication. “Since the tongue is the most useful tool for sex, we need to use it honestly to share our attitudes, thoughts, and experiences with our partner,” says Clinical Psychologist and Sex Therapist, Dr Janet […]

Get your hats on ladies, the Spring Racing Carnival is here once again, and this year it promises to deliver much more glamour and style. The main reason for this is that Jodi Gordon (who knows a thing or two about fashion) is this year’s Royal Randwick ambassador. While she hastily admits she doesn’t know […]

Stunning Megan Fox is modelling Emporio Armani women’s underwear in a sexy new campaign. Fox became an Armani spokesmodel in October last year. In the new campaign the 24-year-old actress and model shows off her perfectly toned body in a short film titled The Tip, which was released by Armani on September 15. Taking us […]

It can only be a good thing for more brands to enter the car insurance industry, but did you ever expect your local supermarket chain to be one of them?

There’s a global financial crisis going on, and lots of us are staying home instead of heading out to pricey restaurants. But staying home doesn’t have to mean no socialising or sensational entertaining! We’ve got a couple of simple, easy, delicious and best of all – cheap! – recipes that will feed your friends for […]

If your relationship is feeling comfy but a tad boring, here are 6 ways to add instant romance. (And don’t say you haven’t got time. You have 1,440 minutes in every day — how you use those minutes is up to you!) 1. Go for the classics: Overdo something. Does he love black jellybeans? Buy […]

To recreate Jesinta’s fresh make-up look use a combination of soft earthy tones of charcoal and warm browns on the eyes and peachy pink blush and lip-gloss. Here’s how… Smooth on a veil of liquid foundation with a damp sponge and work outwards. Use a wash of beige eyeshadow all over the eye area, then […]

Nothing screams red-carpet glamour like a long dress pulling a train behind it and it seems all of Hollywood got that memo before the Emmy Awards. Celebrities opted for the latest glamour look, which is usually reserved for brides. Stars such as Susan Sarandon, Tina Fey, Eva Longoria Parker and our own Rose Byrne all […]

Because of its spectacular scenic beauty and tame wildlife, Lord Howe Island is a South Pacific paradise.

I would dearly love to offer a message of hope in the bleak landscape of dementia and maybe I can. The journey with Mum over the course of her Alzheimer’s has been a roller-coaster of ups and downs, and I only wish I knew at the outset many of the things I’ve learned along the […]

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are the latest celebrities to get creative and put together a kids clothing line, the UK’s Elle magazine has reported. But the pair aren’t the only ones turning their hands to fashion. The latest celebrities adding “children’s clothing designer” to their résumés include Madonna, who has designed a line with […]

With all the bright colours and exciting packaging, the supermarket can be an enticing place for young shoppers and marketers know all too well the influence of “pester power”. So how can you navigate the supermarket, avoiding the junk food and tantrums? It may not be impossible, in fact the following tips may help you […]

Here's why you might want to keep it hush hush until after your loan is approved.

Looking for a new way to get more mileage out of your current wardrobe? Have you considered nabbing yourself a statement necklace (or three)? These great buys can be an inexpensive way to add high-impact, runway style to your everyday outfits. A statement necklace is so versatile it can add instant glamour to your fancy […]

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You have just mortgaged your life and bought a house — with garden. Or you are paying rent on a house, and a garden comes with it … Or you have had a garden for years but “garden” is a bit of an exaggeration, as it’s mostly weeds, lawn that has to be mowed and […]

Talk on the red carpet was about the law suit filed hanging over former David Jones CEO Mark McInnes, but the designers (mostly) kept tight lipped and let their clothes do the talking. With Miranda Kerr missing (on her honeymoon with new hubby Orlando Bloom) DJs pulled out all stops with Aussie supermodels Abbey Lee […]

Midwinter is the time for feasts — not just around the table, with friends on long cold winter nights, but in the garden, too.. Summer’s harvests often have to be picked fast, before the fruit fly get into the apricots or the lettuces go to seed. Winter harvests are more gentle, and more generous too. […]

SEX & STRAVINSKY BY BARBARA TRAPIDO, BLOOMSBURY, $32.99. This is Barbara Trapido’s seventh novel and a glorious read it is, with a cast of fabulously flawed characters, whose lives cross and re-cross over decades and continents as they chase their dreams, pick the wrong partners, madden their children, suffer the tyranny of monstrous parents, yet […]

If 450 hectares of skii-able terrain, and family deals to rival any alpine resort sounds exciting to you, it's time to get your snow on at Falls Creek. It's the ultimate Aussie winter playground.

Question: How can I tell if my eggs are fresh? Are they ok to use if the shells have small cracks? Place an unbroken raw egg in a tall glass of water. If it’s fresh it will sink, if not, it will float. Refrigerating eggs in their cardboard cartons will help keep them fresh. You […]

When Michael Bryce fell in love with a determined young woman, his life changed forever. Now she is the nation’s first female Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce, and the love story has spanned a lifetime, writes Michael Sheather Michael Bryce remembers the moment he realised Quentin was the woman he wanted to marry. “She would have […]