Question: When calculating 8 glasses of water a day, can you include tea, coffee and other fluids? Answer: Yes, your daily fluid intake doesn’t all have to come in the form of water. While water is best, milk, juice, tea, coffee, cordial, soft drinks, sports drinks, even ice-blocks, can also provide additional fluids. Alcohol, on […]

RECENTLY at a business awards night for a local women’s group on the Central Coast in New South Wales — I was at a very entertaining table with some interesting girls. All of them run their own businesses and most of them are pretty successful. The topic of why we go to women’s networking events […]

When it comes to getting the most out of an outfit, designer Alex Perry knows exactly how it’s done. The leading fashion designer is all about keeping everything — from the essential wardrobe must-haves through to the precious one-off pieces — in perfect condition. Alex has teamed up with Elextrolux to offer his top 10 […]

She’s the feared and revered editrix of the US edition of Vogue. With her trademark bob and perma-sunglasses, she has the power to inspire fashion royalty on the one hand, and crush designers with the other. Click here to see the evolution of Anna Wintour in pictures For more than 20 years, Wintour has been […]

Question: How do you cook pasta al dente? Al dente (al den tay) is Italian meaning “to the tooth”, and offers a slight resistance with bitten into – it should not be soft or overdone. Bring water to a rolling boil in a large saucepan then add salt (salt increases the water temperature slightly at […]

If there was ever a question that could be described as “age old”, it would have to be, “Which is the smarter sex?” If you’ve ever become embroiled a debate about this question, you’ll know that there is no possible way to convince a member of the opposite sex of your superior smarts. Now Hasbro, […]

It doesn’t take much to make a difference to your family’s recycling habits. Chances are, you already put your old papers in the allocated bin and rinse out your used tins and put them in the recycling, but there are more ways to help the environment. What can you recycle? The usual recycling items include […]

Question: My cooked chicken breasts are always dry. How do I cook them so they stay moist? Toughness and dryness is usually caused by overcooking, which happens if the temperature of the pan or oven is too hot – the outside cooks quickly to a thick, crust-like edge, while the inside takes longer to cook. […]

Deciding on what to do when it comes to your interest rate.

Question How is chocolate best stored? Answer Chocolate should be stored in cool, dry conditions. If it becomes too warm, the cocoa butter rises to the surface and a whiteish-grey film or “bloom” develops. The chocolate will still taste the same and, once melted, will usually return to its original colour. If chocolate has been […]

Before you start buying your Christmas decorations and planning the school holidays, take a moment (or two) to have a think about your summer wardrobe. Summer is a great time to get creative with colour and show off your favourite style. If you’re bewildered by brights or mesmerised by metallics, we’ve tracked down some superstar […]

The Weekly lists the best budget holiday ideas

“Grow herbs,” said the girl at the nursery helpfully to the customer standing next to me. “Herbs don’t need watering. They just look after themselves.” Like heck, they do! Okay, most of the herbs we use in cooking survive nicely on Mediterranean hillsides with no water other than what falls from the sky. But they […]

Say hello to the new you. Give your personal finances a healthy money makeover by following this step by step guide.

What a great feeling after a long winter to be able to throw open the windows, discard a few layers of clothing and catch a few rays of warm spring sunshine. Spring is a time that inspires most of us to wash the windows, clean the car, repaint the fence and give every room in […]

Is this what was needed to teach young adults a few valuable financial lessons?

Picture this… You’re at a bar with your partner. You have some great chats with another man. As you leave, your partner makes cutting comments about your “flirting”. You feel attacked and make nasty comments back. When you get home, doors are slammed and there’s tension in the air for the next 24 hours. There’s […]

A few hundred years ago, you needed a fortune to fill your larder with spices. They were brought by sailing ship from the “spice islands”, and tasted of adventure and luxury. These days cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, etc, can be bought for a few dollars at the supermarket: tired, elderly spices months or, more likely, years […]

It is possible to eat well and keep fit, even if you're pinching pennies until they squeak. Here's how.

**Whether you’re a mother of three or the CEO of a corporation, the skills of effective negotiation and assertiveness will get you a long way in this world! ** And no matter who or where you’re ‘debating’, you can stand up for yourself and make your opinion heard, without being rude or aggressive. “You have […]

The term "luxury" is subjective depending on your personal style, taste and monetary means, but more and more people are finding ways to save on everyday things.

In the current chaotic economic environment many people are more worried about their ability to manage their personal finance commitments with several institutions. This may be due to concerns over job security or changing economic circumstances within the household. If you’re having trouble juggling many accounts and ensuring you meet the differing due dates for […]

You do your best to keep your mind and body in tip-top shape. But how’s your financial health? Lots of Australian families are finding money matters really tough going at the moment, so here, Financial Counsellor Elizabeth Terry, from Wesley Mission, shares her best advice for taking control of your finances. Do a comprehensive budget, […]

Forget sparks, attraction and falling in love, when it comes to choosing a partner for life, women should apply the same criteria as when buying a house, according to a controversial new book. Reva Seth, author of the book entitled First Comes Marriage, argues that the underlying principles of Asian marriages are the key to […]

A study has found a quarter of Australian women don’t any money saved for retirement. The research is part of the Federal Government’s Women understanding money initiative. Yes, it’s a terrible name for an initiative. But it’s one we need to talk about. The surprising thing is, it takes such little effort to get a […]

Sarah Gale, international trends forecaster and one of the judge on hit television show, Project Runway walks us through the new seasons fashion trends and helps us decide what to stow and what to throw. What fashion pieces should make up the basis of my wardrobe? What pieces does every woman need? Jeans: These days […]

WITH more and more media focus being on unemployment, poverty, the global financial crisis and how long it all might last for, it seems like now is a good time instead to be thinking about wealth and what it means. According to the latest research by George Kinder of the Kinder Institute in the United […]

**”Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer do. I’m half-crazy, all for the love of you” — ‘Daisy Bell’ by Harry Dacre.** If I were to choose one bush that would give flowers for most of the year, or even all year round in frost-free climates, tolerate drought and grow from a cutting stuck into the […]

There are many lessons to be learned from the global financial crisis. The good, the bad - here's what you can take away from it.

Fraser Island is one of Australia’s great natural wonders and one of the best places in the Southern Hemisphere to see humpback whales

You may have lost your job or worry that you one day will. There's ways to bounce back from such an unfortunate event.

A department store in London is expecting to be inundated with orders for miracle “fat-busting” undies, which it’s selling for £30 ($60). In May this year, John Lewis’ online store sold out of the knickers within an hour and the company’s London department store sold out in one day. New stock went on sale July […]

When Aussie cricket star Mitchell Johnson’s mother recently made ‘unkind’ comments about his fiancee, thousands of other young men probably groaned in embarrassed compassion for the guy! Having a mum who speaks out of turn; a permanently needy sister or maybe in-laws who won’t butt-out, is all part of being in a family. And an […]

For many years, the first thing I did when I came home was eat a passionfruit. When I was small, a passionfruit vine grew over our outdoor toilet, in the days before the last of the Brisbane suburbs were connected to the sewerage system. By the time I was in high school, our passionfruit vine […]

By the time your children reach Year 12, they will have spent nearly 14,500 hours at school (12 years of 40 weeks a year, five days a week, six hours a day), so it’s best to make sure their schoolyard is a stimulating environment, with flowers, grass, leaves and trees. Not only is gardening fun […]

We're betting that most, if not all, are beneficial to you.

If it's hip and happening, it's in Barcelona, one of Europe's most dazzling cities, as Jo Wiles discovered on a visit to the Catalonian capital in Spain.

Who needs a man? Well your purse might. But if all fails, here's something that'll help you land on your own two feet.

Discover what it’s like to fly Singapore Airlines’ new “super-jumbo” between Sydney and London.

A turbulent love life might cause more serious issues for women than just reaching for that tub of ice cream, box of chocolates or soppy DVD. Alarmingly, hypertension, abdominal obesity, high blood sugar, high triglycerides and low levels of HDL, or “good” cholesterol in women have been linked to the anger, conflict and hostility experienced […]

By Leanne Hudson Whether it’s your place, their place or a whole new place, moving in with your partner can be quite an experience. But how can you make sure it’s a good one? If you’ve reached the point where you spend practically every night with your partner, you might think living together won’t be […]

Media personality Rebecca Wilson could ski anywhere in the world. Here’s why she chooses Perisher Blue every year.

Being high above the snowline is an unforgettable experience anywhere, but the American Rocky Mountains can lay claim to some of the best snow destinations of all.

Whether you're seeking a romantic sojourn, weekend ski break or family holiday, ski resorts in Australia and New Zealand all offer great late snow-season deals and a host of other attractions.

A question often asked by psychologists, educators and curious minds alike. The Weekly's financial expert, Virginia Graham, poses it from a financial point of view.

Financial times are tough. We may even be in a recession, however that doesn’t stop 80 per cent of Aussies from hiding purchases from their loved ones during times of economic crisis. You could be forgiven for believing that the purse strings should be held a little tighter in the current financial climate, however most […]

Whenever you set out to achieve anything in life there are always changes that need to occur. Your changes will affect the people around you and you need to be aware of this fact. To reach your desired destination you need to plan. This includes your direction, how you are going to get there, the […]

If you spent money on your child’s education between July 2008 and June 2009 you may be eligible for a tax break on your child’s education expenses. In fact, the Government Education Tax Refund allows you to claim up to 50 per cent of eligible education-related expenses* for your children. Make the most of your […]

Tweak your family's finances with these cost-effective tips.

Drop the baggage If you want to start something new with somebody, it’s unlikely to happen or be successful if you’ve got a ton of emotional baggage hanging around. Signs that you still need to let go are… You still think about your ex a lot – more than three or four times a week/day/minute. […]

Economics is an argument not a science, which means two opposing theories can both be right. So how do we know what’s the right thing to do? We’ve nutted out the common mistakes beginner investors make. Indecision Doing nothing- if you are too fearful about investing and so do nothing then you will get no […]

South Australia's Flinders Ranges have always been famous for their great plates of red rock rather than their gourmet offerings, but times have changed.

With its spectacular views of South Australia's Flinders Ranges, Rawnsley Park Station is an unforgettable destination - and now its eco-villas allow you to enjoy it all in great comfort and style.

Once upon a time gardeners believed that flowers and herbs had more power if gathered by moonlight – especially if you planted them for spells and potions. Maybe this was because some plants are more fragrant at night, as they try to attract night flying moths and other insects. Cool moist air also seems to […]

Time for tea Real hot chocolate Spiced tea punch Mint tea Chai tea Peach iced tea Kisses Little chocolate tarts Slice and bake biscuits Tangy lemon squares Gluten-free chocolate cake Sponge ricotta slice Homemade monte carlo biscuits Breakfast in bed Brunch, lunch or simple supper Recipes the kids can cook Scrumptious salads Family feasts Just […]

Brunch, lunch or simple supper Tropical fruit salad with lime syrup Creamed rice Bacon and egg fillo pies Easy cheese soufflès Skewered lemon prawns Breakfast in bed Time for tea Recipes the kids can cook Scrumptious salads Family feasts Just desserts

Recipes the kids can cook Macaroni cheese Baked bean jaffles Cheese twists Chicken salsa wraps Egg and bacon muffins Tomato, olive and rocket pasta Chicken pitta pockets White chocolate oat biscuits Rocky road slice Choc-chip blueberry muffins Breakfast in bed Time for tea Brunch, lunch or simple supper Scrumptious salads Family feasts Just desserts Still […]

Scrumptious salads Prosciutto, pear and blue cheese salad Light Caesar salad Roasted tomato salad Spicy eggplant salad Creamy potato salad Rocket, avocado and macadamia salad Mediterranean chicken salad Tomato, olive and herb salad Warm tuna salad with lemon dill dressing Salad nicoise Breakfast in bed Time for tea Brunch, lunch or simple supper Recipes the […]

Family feasts Veal cordon bleu Slow-roasted lamb with lemon and potatoes Garlic mustard rack of lamb Lamb with garlic aioli and potato fondant Rosemary and garlic lamb Pork Pork with pear chutney and pumpkin mash Oven-baked risotto with Italian sausages Rack of pork with apple sauce Chicken Chicken with mustard and rosemary Roast chicken with […]

Just desserts Mum’s caramel pavlova Easy passionfruit coconut tart Old-fashioned rustic apple pie Mixed berry & museli cheesecake Lusciously light chocolate mousse Strawberries with lemon sorbet Caramel self-saucing pudding Black forest cake Rhubarb and blackberry crumble Moist lemon cake Coffee fudge self-saucing pudding French fruit flan Dark chocolate truffles Breakfast in bed Time for tea […]

Instead of chocolates or flowers for your Mum this Mother’s Day, make your gift a gift for breast cancer research… Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer-related death in women in Australia. Around one in 10 women will be diagnosed with this disease. Although it can affect all adult women, it is very […]

— with financial expert Adrian Raftery If you’re facing repossession, the first thing to know is that you can get help from various organisations, free. The threat of losing your home is a harrowing experience, but you have to act immediately, or the problem will only grow worse. Talk to a free adviser immediately. Below […]

— with financial expert Adrian Raftery We’ve all seen the stories of overseas banks collapsing and people rushing to the bank to take out their money in case they lose it. Should you do the same? Adrian says you needn’t worry. “In the unlikely event of …” We hear this phrase all the time when […]

— with financial expert Adrian Raftery It’s never too early to learn valuable financial lessons. Most parents think that children are too young to understand the concept of money, but you’d be surprised at how much they learn just by watching you. When I met Michelle, she said her kids didn’t receive pocket money. I […]

— with financial expert Adrian Raftery One consequence of a slowing economy is that more people are likely to be made redundant. It’s a stressful event, but if it happens to you, there are ways you can reduce its impact. Your legal rights Employers must follow strict guidelines when dismissing an employee due to redundancy. […]

Turn a plain, boring wall into a gorgeous panelled feature with this simple — and inexpensive — decorating tip. Head to your local hardware store for strips of slim moulded railing for the square frames or wider pieces for the mid-wall dado and the picture rail (from $12.76 for 1.8m length, Bunnings). Use a pencil […]

The city of Kota Kinabalu on Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, is your doorway to a world of lush tropical rainforest, incredible wildlife and a shared history created by war.

On and off the catwalk, Paris Fashion Week is one of the world's great spectacles. Mike Dolan discovers that the glamour, glitz and gossip often spills into the city's palace hotels and restaurants.

Sometimes you come across a plant that you’ve ignored for years, and realise it’s so absolutely perfect that you don’t know why you haven’t planted hundreds of them years ago. I had one of those moments two years ago, when I looked at a friend’s nerines. I’d never even thought of growing any before – […]

Grief is like a cyclone – violent and uncontrollable, it rips through us, upending our lives. Even when the shock has passed, we are left dazed, sifting through memories and trying to make sense of an unfamiliar, devastated landscape. Grieving is a natural response to loss and the more you loved that person, the more […]

Singapore has reinvented itself as a city of temptations. Mike Dolan goes to the Lion State in search of the good life and discovers a riot of fun.

In these times of financial challenge, one way to enjoy an affordable holiday at home or overseas is to house-swap.

You see them in every gardening magazine – page after page of autumn glories, trees in every shade of red, orange, purple, gold and yellow. But sadly in Australia you need ‘two jumpers and a pair of long Johns’ winters to really get great autumn foliage – and even then, the chances are that your […]

Thanks to sustainable fabrics like bamboo and pre-loved vintage treasures, fashion is having an absolutely fabulous green makeover. Pamela Allardice browses online boutiques that marry style with eco-savvy. Fab frocks Ultra-feminine design meets comfort in the soft bamboo knit wrap dresses from Bamboo Boutique (www.bambooboutique.com.au), with an honourable mention to the uber-cool Enamore collection of […]

The Northern Territory has several iconic frontier destinations. Here are some savvy tips from two experts on how to turn a wilderness experience into a holiday of a lifetime.

South Australia is a gourmet’s dream, with charming restaurants and wineries by the score and good times await. Discover what SA has to offer.

Buying jeans for your age and shape can be a dizzying experience. The Weekly’s fashion team have road-tested the best styles to help you find the perfect pair despite your age and budget. What suits your shape in your 30s? “I adore jeans, they’re so comfortable and different styles suit different moods, I prefer low-rise […]

Buying jeans for your age and shape can be a dizzying experience. The Weekly’s fashion team have road-tested the best styles to help you find the perfect pair despite your age and budget. What suits your shape in your 40s? “I like jeans to have a bit of a wider leg so my bottom doesn’t […]

Buying jeans for your age and shape can be a dizzying experience. The Weekly’s fashion team have road-tested the best styles to help you find the perfect pair despite your age and budget. What suits your shape in your 50s? “I’ve found the best jeans are American because they have such a variety and are […]

I hated cabbage till the day I discovered they didn’t have to be boiled. Boiled cabbage looks like wet washing — and smells a lot worse. But stir—fried cabbage, with garlic and olive oil and a touch of soya sauce, is wonderful or, better still, broccoli or brocollini with olive oil and lemon juice, steamed […]

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Now this is what you call puppy love!

From the Uluru to the Great Barrier Reef, Australia offers some of the most pristine and beautiful sights. Skip your overseas holiday for some downtime in the best destinations across Australia.

With the summer holidays finally in sight. it is the perfect time to do a bit of spring cleaning and organise your wardrobe. Andy Warhol once said “Everything in your closet should have an expiration date on it the way milk and bread and magazines and newspapers do.” But as fashion lovers we do not […]

Learning to make the most of your flaws and features is often key to great style and the success of many great dresses through out the decades. Many of the world’s most memorable women have turned their ‘flaws’ into their trademarks. Would Cindy Crawford have been quite so fabulous without her mole? Would Lauren Hutton […]

This is not a reason to pull out your paving, or not all of it. (I have paving around the house too – it’s also a great way to see the snakes before they see us.) Instead, try cooling your paving down so you gain all the great advantages of paving, minus the heat. Plant […]

Six cool ways to keep your hard earned cash in your wallet, and not on household bills.

Did you know that you’re a whopping five times more likely to be injured at home than in work – and car – related accidents combined? Here are 10 commonsense tips to reducing your risk over the holidays. 1 Don’t trip Secure carpet edges and put non-slip mats under rugs. Tie electrical cords together and […]

Tips to holidaying in France without leaving the country.

Ancient Aquitaine harbours the spectacularly beautiful Dordogne and many forgotten corners of south-west France. Take to the road and discover some of the region's hidden treasures.

THIS new UK research which gives rise to similar questions about Australian families, has found that the quality of middle-class family life is on the down-turn as working parents feel the pinch to work longer hours rather than spend time with their families at home. The Department for Schools government study of nearly 4000 parents […]