Tags: magazine   magazine better homes and gardens  

ISBN: 0006-0151

Year: 2024

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THAT'S 15 ISSUES FOR THE PRICE OF 10! HURRY! IF!YOU!SUBSCRIBE!NOW! OFFER!ENDS! FEBRUARY!"#$! %&%# SUBSCRIBER!BENEFITS 13 ISSUES OF BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS + 2 BONUS ISSUES FOR $85 VIA AUTOMATIC RENEWAL SAVE 33% OFF THE RETAIL PRICE FREE!DELIVERY OF THE MAGAZINE TO YOUR HOME EACH MONTH
FEBRUARY!CONTENTS 80 52 come inside everyday dishes: Smoky eggplant pasta + lamb koftas with tzatziki 30 Delicious cheap eats 52, 64, 72!!Garden smarter Living walls 120 of privacy; Steps to a strawb tower; Blooms between pavers 80 Cost-saving tips for a year-round coastal look 86 Curated décor Mirror makeover 88 Chic storage you’ll love for every room 96 Genius upcycling Retro cabinet remodel 104 Super-savvy style Design a timeless bespoke kitchen on a dime 112 Double-duty ottoman 126 DIY home projects to make back to school easy 147 Puzzle special Stay sharp as a tool FOOD 12 Meet our new chef Get to know Colin Fassnidge! 14 Colin’s kitchen Roll up kebab wraps and smoke out a vegie pasta ! BHG FEBRUARY"#$#% 18 Cooking with Karen Get cracking on a fuss-free frittata 20 Fresh start From sticky chicken wings to one-pan prawns, cook up vibrant, scrummy summer dinners – yum! 29 Eat well Designed for foodies with diabetes, this recipe is so tasty the whole fam will love it! 30 Pocket-friendly favourites Serve up dazzling dinners and sweet treats for next to nix 40 Muffin magic! Ace your sweet or savoury muffin base, then add in your fave flavours 45 Better cooking GARDENING 46 Pub grub in a tub! Steal design 52 58 64 68 concepts from this kitchen and ornamental country pub garden Screen saver Grow a natural green screen – it’s affordable and attractive! Some like it hot! Pot up colourful, heat-loving blooms Strawberry sensation! Plant, grow and eat your own sweet strawberries Small wall, big stunner Tidy up your yard with a retaining wall Cover photography Con Poulos; styling Jaimee Curdie ON THE COVER 12, 14 Plus meet our TV chef Colin Fassnidge Cooking up fantastic
40 104 72 Beauty between bricks Pull 100 Bench to impress Build a 76 In your garden 78 Better gardening 79 Moon guide 104 Smart cookie! Upgrade your up pavers and put in fab flowers snazzy hallway bench seat kitchen for less with upcycled furniture and clever carpentry DECORATING & CRAFT 80 Sea breeze living Tune into cool coastal style for year-round holiday vibes 86 Upon reflection Transform plain mirrors into unique homewares 88 Order + harmony Curb clutter with smart, simple storage ideas 112 Pulling double duty Turn a timber table into an ottoman BETTER YOU 134 Masked beauty Get your glow on with marvellous masks 138 Put your feet up Top tips to take care of your tootsies 142 Better health SPECIAL FEATURES 144 Vibrant vision How The Smith 120 Better decorating 122 Thrifty chic Get crafty with nifty, Family is helping kids and teens achieve their learning dreams 147 Holiday puzzles Test your brainpower with crosswords, word searches, sudoku, history quizzes... 126 School’s in! Flatpack your way REGULAR FEATURES 114 The magic of tile craft Use terrific tiles to update a bookcase, mirror and more... wallet-friendly décor makes to a functional hallway organiser DIY & BUILDING 96 Retro revival Bring character to your interiors by restoring a mid-century modern sideboard 11 Editor’s letter 132 Better finance 164 Better books 175 Better stockists 176 Privacy policy 178 Better pets ANNOUNCING the best gardens IN AUSTRALIA! In the March issue of BHG, on sale February 15, find out which Aussie gardeners have the greenest thumbs of all when we announce the BHG and Tuscan Path Garden of the Year competition winners. Don’t miss out! VISIT US ONLINE FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES, PROJECTS AND GREAT IDEAS bhg.com.au facebook.com/bhgaus instagram.com/bhgaus pinterest.com/bhgaus
TV!CONTENTS watch us on tv Every issue we bring you projects and recipes from the show for you to make and cook FOOD 14 Colin Fassnidge Lamb koftas and pita bread; Smoky eggplant pasta 18 Karen Martini Roast pumpkin, ricotta and herb frittata GARDENING 46 Be inspired by a country 46 14 pub/hotel in Victoria with a pretty and productive kitchen and ornamental garden 64 Grow your own sweet-as strawberries in a terrific planter tower topped with blooms 68 Build a timber retaining wall and built-in bench seat to tidy up your yard, then sit back and enjoy it! 72 Transform a humdrum courtyard into an inviting outdoor space by pulling up brick pavers and putting in flowers and foliage DIY & BUILDING 104 Create an affordable and amazing new-look kitchen with upcycled furniture and clever carpentry DECORATING & CRAFT 104 Convert an old dresser into a portable breakfast bar 112 Use your fave fabric and craft 18 SEEN"ON"BHG"TV FRIDAYS 7.00 72 "!FEB!TO! #!FEB!"$"% NOTE! Television content subject to schedule changes. Check your local program guides for viewing times. Television enquiries (02) 9877 7652 Email tvenquiries@seven.com.au # BHG FEBRUARY"$%$& skills to turn a tired coffee table into a chic ottoman 126 Get ready for the school year with DIY entryway storage that has space for bags, shoes and more... 64
WELCOME BACK BHG TV Photography Seven Network. Lamb koftas photography Con Poulos; styling Jaimee Curdie; food preparation Kathy Knudsen Roll camera, roll sound, rolling. Stand by for the best-ever DIYs and dishes on BHG TV in 2024 G et ready for television’s big event. Mark February 2 on your calendar when you can thank your flat-screen it’s Friday because BHG TV returns. The all-star team will keep you entertained with ideas, inspiration and know-how on everything from decorating, DIY and gardening, to pets. And in the cooking quarters, we’re thrilled to have our new food presenter join us, celebrity chef Colin Fassnidge. Warning: this year’s show will definitely make you want to redo your indoor and outdoor spaces, and be on kitchen duty seven days a week. That’s a wrap! Be!er Homes and Gardens is on Channel 7 on Fridays from 7pm. This year’s BHG TV will be raising the roof with top remodels, makes and cooking inspiration! TOP, FROM LEFT The Be!er Homes and Gardens TV squad is back on Friday nights, and includes: Peter Colquhoun, new celebrity chef presenter Colin Fassnidge, Charlie Albone, Juliet Love, host Johanna Griggs, Graham Ross, Adam Dovile, Melissa King and Dr Harry Cooper. ABOVE Colin’s Lamb ko!as, see recipe on page 16. FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG %
Editor Dora Papas Creative director Deputy editor Scott Cassidy Raffaela Pugliese Production editor Joseph Kenworthy Chief sub editor Lucie Clark Design director Monique Larracy Senior designer Carol Tang Decorating editor Dora Papas Garden editor Jenny Dillon Food editor Sarah Murphy DIY editor Tiff Bancroft Beauty editor Annie Millar Stylist Vanessa Tidy Editor’s assistant Sonya Dlugosch Enquiries (02) 9282 8000 Turn over a chic new leaf on an old but sturdy bookcase with tiles! See page 114 for more top tile décor tips. REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS In your garden Tony Fawcett Moon guide Milton Black Better pets Caroline Zambrano ADVERTISING Commercial brand manager Jo-Ann Taylor Brand executive Serena Cox Sales director NSW Karen Holmes Qld head of sales Judy Taylor Sales director Vic, SA, WA Jaclyn Clements Marketing manager Jess Taylor Subscriptions campaign manager Nicolette Zorzopis TELEVISION Host Johanna Griggs Presenters: Pets Dr Harry Cooper Gardening Graham Ross, Melissa King DIY Adam Dovile Food Karen Martini, Colin Fassnidge Landscaping Charlie Albone Decorating Juliet Love Executive producer Russell Palmer Series producer Rani Eaton Production manager Mollie Jones Researchers: Gardening & Landscaping Vivien Kappos, James West, Joshua Culpan Decorating Karenza Jewell, Chris Cort DIY John Rae, Greg Sparke Food Marnie Rowe, Kim Meredith Stylist/Junior decorating researcher Erin Brikich Construction manager Scott Marvell Producers Cassandra Felix, Daniel Gustafson, Cameron Hartley, Cathy Foote, Stephanie Walsh, Rhian Petch Associate producers Sharon Field, Heidi Ahrens Post production Jessica Stone, Duncan Richards, Edvin Mandic, Amarnath Jones, Bettina Otterbeck, Markus Siegl, Kate Tanttari, Steven Levett Production assistants Callum Domeney, Annika Kumar Associate producer – social media Jacqui Pix Commercial partnerships manager Stewart Light Production co-ordinator Portia Cheung Senior production co-ordinator Stephanie Lee DIGITAL bhg.com.au, bhgshop.com.au Digital managing editor Rebecca Lowrey Boyd Senior content producer Livia Gamble Content producer Rachel Iorfino aRe MEDIA PTY LIMITED (02) 9282 8000, 54 Park Street, Sydney, 2000 Chief executive officer Jane Huxley Director of content Sally Eagle General manager, homes Lisa Hudson Commercial director Andrew Cook DOTDASH MEREDITH INTERNATIONAL Vice president, business and strategy Joy Evans Executive director, licensing operations Paul Ordoñez Reproduction: Printed in Australia by IVE Group, Building D, 350 Parramatta Rd, Homebush, NSW 2140. Distributed by Are Direct. Published 13 times a year by Are Media Pty Ltd (ABN 053 273 546). For competition entries, use the address on entry forms. Title and trademark BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS® reg US Patents Office, Canada and Australia, by Dotdash Meredith International. Use of trademark is strictly prohibited. Recommended and maximum price $8.50 (NZ $9.50), inc GST. All content © 2024 Are Media Pty Ltd, all rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. All prices and information are correct as at the time of printing. Prices quoted are recommended retail prices and may vary. All material sent to Better Homes and Gardens (whether solicited or not) will not be returned. Unless otherwise agreed beforehand, all rights including copyright in such material is assigned to Are Media Pty Ltd upon receipt and Are Media Pty Ltd may use or sell the material in all media worldwide in perpetuity without further consent or payment. Better Homes and Gardens does not accept or assume responsibility for such material. Television enquiries (02) 9877 7652 Email tvenquiries@seven.com.au Magazine enquiries (02) 9282 8000 Email bhgmagenquiries@aremedia.com.au Subscription customer service 136 116 Email magshop@magshop.com.au Website magshop.com.au/ContactUs
EDITOR’S!LETTER Hello, my friends! T The old saying of doing more with less teases out the possibilities of repairing, reviving and remaking our spaces. Ready to thrift? he summer break has not only been a time for fun parties and recharging, it’s also been a period of reflection. A!er the busy and expensive holiday season, it’s time to reset your budget with a spending detox. But scrimping doesn’t mean pu"ing off all those projects on your 2024 to-do list. See our savvy ideas for ge"ing the coastal look on a budget so you can keep basking in the holiday vibe (page 80). If funds are too tight for a makeover, try your hand at DIY décor (from page 86). And, in the spirit of sustainability, use thri!ed finds to fit out your kitchen with bespoke style (page 104). In this issue, we’re also exploring the restorative potential of your garden as a place for peace, play and revelry (from page 46). BHG’s new TV chef presenter, Colin Fassnidge, couldn’t have started in our kitchen at a be"er time. His high-flavour, no-nonsense, family-friendly recipes (page 14) will get you through a financial fast with a Cheshire Cat’s grin. You can meet this mealtime marvel on page 12. You’ll find more yummy cheap eats on page 30. Plus, a slew of sizzling summer dinners are also on the menu this month (page 20). Here’s to the thrill of thri! and creative courage. Enjoy! CHECK OUT OUR E 16 -PAG PUZZLKE BOO147 Photography Future Publishing PAGE FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG %%
Q&A!WITH!COLIN MEET OUR BHG’s new TV food presenter, Colin Fassnidge, is culinary royalty with a common touch – and his no-nonsense recipes are just what every home cook is craving Q At what age did you realise your true north was a career in cooking? A At seven or eight. But I also wanted to be a rock star or a zoo keeper. I play drums, I wanted to be like Larry Mullen of U2. My mum was a great cook and my dad would cook twice a week – but male cooks were frowned upon. It was a bit like the Billy Elliot story back then. But then I went to work for the best in the world – and look at me now! Q You were trained by the legendary Raymond Blanc in Oxford, then came to Australia in 1999 for a holiday. What made you stay here? A I knew a Kiwi chef, Justin North, we worked together for Raymond Blanc, then we both came to Australia. Within two days, I was working at a Sydney restaurant called Wine Banc. I also loved Australia… there’s a lifestyle here. Q What drew you to BHG? A It’s a different style of presenting compared to my other beats, which can be a bit raucous. I’m drawn to the family-friendly feel of BHG. I’m a family man and I think that’s what I’m bringing to the show. There’ll be no swearing! !" BHG FEBRUARY#"$"% Q What has had the biggest influence on your approach in the kitchen? A My kids. I used to be an angry chef, under a lot of pressure. And then I had kids. It makes you think about what you’re pu!ing into their bodies. Your cooking changes with that. Q Are you the chief cook at home? A I am. I cook every night when I’m not travelling. I’m 50 now. I’m commi!ed to spending my nights with my family. Q Secret to cooking a great dish? A Practise. You’ve also got to taste your food. If you’re cooking something you love, you should put effort into it. Q You’ve long been a champion of ‘nose-to-tail’ eating. How can we all reduce waste in the kitchen? A Be mindful when you shop for the week. If you buy a whole chicken, and have le#overs, you can make soup, you can make a broth. Think of more than one dish you can make. Q Do you have a hunch of what home cooks will be food-prepping in 2024? A My chicken bread! It started as an experiment with le#over sourdough. I added oil and herbs to it and used it as a trivet for a whole chicken. It sinks into the loaf, and the chicken juices are absorbed by the bread. Q A few years ago, you had a health scare. Has that influenced your recipe writing? A I used to eat just meat. I eat more vegetables now – but it’s not just boring veg, it’s my style of veg, which I’ll be sharing in my BHG recipes. I eat a more Mediterranean-style diet these days, and I try not to eat late at night. I still cook with bu!er sometimes… everything in moderation. Q Do you have a guilty pleasure? A Cheese... with bread, and fresh fennel. And, because of the way I was brought up, a bit of pickle. Q What’s your favourite Aussie dish? A Barbecue. And sausage roll – my style with pork mince, a bit of belly fat, onion, garlic, herbs, caramelised apple, smoked pance!a and smoked paprika. Q What cuisines really excite you? A Asian cuisine. Most chefs with a European background love to go and have Asian food, something that gives us a smack in the mouth… foods that other people are be!er at cooking. Q Describe your dream kitchen. A It’s ge!ing finished, as we speak. When I was in Manjimup, WA, last year, I bought a tree at an auction. I cut a slab out of it, got it treated and polished. That slab is going down the middle of my kitchen for the bench. Q You’ve dished out for various charities, including OzHarvest. What fuels you to do non-profit work? A It came from Dad. He always said, if you’re doing well, help someone who’s not. Back home, I started up a soup kitchen. I guess I’m trying to balance the scales – I’ve still got a bit to go! Photography Seven Network; interview Raffaela Pugliese H e’s a celebrated and charitable chef with an inherent love of good produce, a popular TV personality, and an acclaimed food author. Irish-born Colin Fassnidge cooks with heart for family and friends (as well as strangers!), so we couldn’t think of anyone with be!er cooking chops to join BHG as our new TV food presenter. Let’s get to know him.
It’s a huge honour to be part of the BHG family. I’ve known it since I landed in Australia. It’s big shoes to fill. Everyone loved Ed. But I’m really looking forward to cooking for everyone
EVERYDAY!CHEF COLIN’S KITCHEN Create spicy homemade Middle Eastern kebab wraps, and smoke out a tasty vegie pasta! LAMB KOFTAS AND PITA BREAD Load up on flavour with a spot-on spice mix for the lamb, then pair with fresh tzatziki to serve. Recipe on page 16
SEEN!ON!BHG!TV FRIDAYS 7.00 SMOKY EGGPLANT PASTA Get grilling and transform eggplant into the star of this delish pasta. Good-for-you greens and herbs make this vego delight an easy, hearty midweek dinner option! Recipe on page 16 colin fassnidge Join me as I show you how to make delicious dishes on BHG TV, Fridays at 7pm on Channel 7. (Apologies, may be subject to change.) For more recipes go to bhg.com.au. FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG %&
EVERYDAY!CHEF Preparation time 40 mins Cooking time 20 mins Serves 6 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra 1/4 cup 2 small brown onions, diced 6 cloves garlic, chopped Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season 500g lamb mince 200g dried breadcrumbs 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp cayenne pepper 2 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp smoked paprika 1 bunch mint, leaves picked, chopped roughly Small pita bread, warmed, to serve TZATZIKI SAUCE 300ml Greek full-fat yoghurt 1 bunch mint, leaves picked, finely chopped Juice and finely grated zest of 1 lemon MACERATED CUCUMBER 1 Lebanese cucumber, cut lengthways in 4-6 strips Juice and finely grated zest of 1 lemon STEP 1 Heat oil in a large frying pan on medium heat. Cook onion and garlic for !" BHG FEBRUARY#$%$& SMOKY! EGGPLANT! PASTA Preparation time 40 mins Cooking time 25 mins (stovetop) or 55 mins (oven) Serves 6 2 large eggplants 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus extra 2 Tbsp (if oven baking) 1 brown onion, diced 4 cloves garlic, chopped 2 bay leaves 4 sprigs thyme 500g orecchie&e 6 chard leaves and stalks, leaves roughly chopped, stalks finely chopped 2 green onions, finely sliced Juice and finely grated zest of 2 lemons Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season Parmesan, to serve STEP 1 For gas stovetop, preheat a large burner on high. Put eggplants directly on flame and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning until evenly charred. Transfer eggplants to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap. Stand for 10 minutes. Peel, remove skin and roughly chop flesh. STEP 2 For oven (if not using gas stovetop), preheat oven to 180°C fan-forced (200°C conventional). Halve eggplants; score flesh in a zigzag pa%ern. Put on a baking tray, flesh side up, drizzle with extra 2 tablespoons of the oil. Roast for 45 minutes or until so!. Transfer eggplants to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap. Stand for 10 minutes. Peel, remove skin and roughly chop flesh. STEP 3 In a large frying pan on medium heat, cook oil, onion and garlic for 5 minutes until so!. Add herbs and chopped eggplant. STEP 4 Reduce heat to low, break up eggplant using back of a wooden spoon until consistency is a so!, rough puree. STEP 5 Meanwhile, in a large saucepan of boiling salted water, cook orecchie%e (pasta) following packet instructions. STEP 6 Add chard and green onion to eggplant mixture, increase heat to high, cook for 2-4 minutes until so!ened. STEP 7 Add cooked pasta to eggplant mixture, adding a ladle of pasta cooking water to loosen. Toss and shake the pan to emulsify the pasta and sauce. Add lemon zest and juice. Season. Serve with finely grated parmesan. Photography Con Poulos; styling Jaimee Curdie; food preparation Kathy Knudsen LAMB!KOFTAS! AND!PITA!BREAD 3-4 minutes, stirring, until so!. Transfer to a bowl, set aside in the fridge to cool. STEP 2 For Tzatziki, in a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Season. STEP 3 For Cucumber, in a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Season. STEP 4 In a large bowl, combine mince, breadcrumbs, Dijon, spices, mint and chilled onion mixture. Season and stir until well combined (use your hands to combine if you wish). STEP 5 Divide mixture into 80g balls (approx. 1/3 cup). Using slightly damp hands, shape each ball into a sausage shape approx. 10cm long. STEP 6 Heat extra oil in a large frying pan on medium heat. Cook ko!as in two batches, if needed, for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through. STEP 7 Serve ko!as on warmed pitas topped with cucumber and drizzled with tzatziki sauce.
WE W SHOU YO HOW WE’RE ALWAYS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS NEVER MISS A BHG MOMENT! facebook.com/bhgaus @bhgaus pinterest.com/bhgaus SHOP bhgshop.com.au bhg.com.au
FABULOUS!FOOD COOKING WITH KAREN Put a fresh summer spin on a fuss-free vegie-filled fri!ata! Preparation time 15 mins plus standing Cooking time 1 hour 20 mins Serves 6 800g Kent pumpkin, peeled 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra 1 Tbsp 12 free-range eggs, at room temperature 150ml full-cream milk 1/4 cup each dill fronds, chopped flatleaf parsley, finely chopped chives Freshly ground black pepper 1 cup frozen peas, blanched in boiling water, cooled 250g firm rico%a 2 Tbsp pepitas Mixed green salad, to serve STEP 1 Preheat oven to 180°C fan-forced (200°C conventional). STEP 2 Cut peeled pumpkin into 3cm chunks. Toss lightly in oil and spread on a lined baking tray. Bake for 30-35 minutes until tender. Remove; cool completely. STEP 3 Whisk eggs in a large bowl, then whisk in milk. Gently stir in half of the herbs and pumpkin. Season with pepper. STEP 4 Heat extra oil in a 26-28cm ovenproof frypan on medium heat. Pour egg and pumpkin mixture into pan. Sca!er over peas, crumble chunks of rico!a evenly and add remaining herbs. Sprinkle with pepitas. STEP 5 When sides of fri!ata start to bubble, remove from stovetop. Bake in oven for 30-35 minutes or until cooked (it should be a set custard consistency). STEP 6 Remove from oven and allow to sit for 30 minutes to an hour, it will set and shrink away from sides making it easy to slide out of pan. STEP 7 Serve with a mixed green salad. Satisfying yet lovely and light, this versatile all-rounder is a taste sensation with the fragrant mix of herbs and roasted pumpkin. Sprinkle on pepitas to give it a nice crunch! Photography Con Poulos; styling Jaimee Curdie; food preparation Kathy Knudsen ROAST!PUMPKIN"!RICOTTA! AND!HERB!FRITTATA
SEEN!ON!BHG!TV FRIDAYS 7.00 KAREN MARTINI Join me as I show you how to make delicious dishes on BHG TV, Fridays at 7pm on Channel 7. (Apologies, may be subject to change.) For more recipes go to bhg.com.au. FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG %&
EASY!MEALS FRESH S TA R T Add vibrant colour and flavour to your summer dinners SPICED CHICKEN SKEWERS WITH HERB CAULIFLOWER RICE Glam up cauliflower with a fragrant herb spin and serve it with spiced-up chook-on-a-stick, homemade hummus and a simple, zippy pickled onion – it’s a tastebud-tingling midweek winner! Recipe on page 26 !" BHG FEBRUARY#!"!$
STICKY CHICKEN WINGS WITH TANGY SLAW Pair lip-smacking wings with a bright and scrummy slaw full of delicious crunch. This summertime dinner guarantees empty plates every single time! Recipe on page 26
EASY!MEALS SPAGHETTI WITH RICOTTA, PORK AND ZUCCHINI MEATBALLS Put a vegie-packed spin on classic spaghe!i and meatballs with spiralised zucchini, juicy tomatoes and fam-fave spaghe!ini. Recipe on page 26
ONE-PAN PRAWNS WITH SPICY SAUCE AND PINEAPPLE SALSA Less washing up, more flavour! Grab only one pan to make this moreish main and have it on the table in no time. Enjoy mopping up the sauce with crusty bread – yum! Recipe on page 28 FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG "%
EASY!MEALS WALNUT AND ROCKET PESTO PASTA Whip up your own pesto in a flash for an easy-breezy, delish dinner. If you don’t have any walnuts, simply substitute them for blanched almonds instead. Recipe on page 28
SPICED BARRAMUNDI TACOS WITH TOMATO SALSA Taco Tuesday just got fancy! Elevate your regular tacos with Cajun-spiced baked fish, then DIY a creamy avocado dressing and drizzle on as much as you like! Recipe on page 28 FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG "%
EASY!MEALS SPICED! CHICKEN! SKEWERS! WITH!HERB! CAULIFLOWER! RICE Preparation time 40 mins Cooking time 15 mins Serves 4 600g chicken thighs, cut into 3cm chunks 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp shawarma spice 1 large cauliflower, cut into florets 1/2 bunch each of flat-leaf parsley and mint, chopped, plus extra whole leaves Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season 400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 2 tsp tahini 2 Tbsp lemon juice, plus wedges, to serve 2 cloves garlic 1/3 cup Greek yoghurt 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1 Tbsp sugar 1/4 cup water 1 large red onion, cut into thin rings STEP 1 Combine chicken, 2 tablespoons of the oil and shawarma spice in a large bowl and toss to coat. Set aside for 20 minutes if time permits. Thread chicken onto 8 metal skewers. Put on a plate, refrigerate, covered, until needed. STEP 2 Add cauliflower to food processor and pulse until it has the consistency of rice. Heat remaining oil in a large frypan and fry cauliflower for 3 minutes, stirring until moisture has evaporated. Reserve 1 cup of cauliflower for hummus and transfer remaining to a large bowl. STEP 3 Add flat-leaf parsley and mint to cauliflower rice in bowl and mix well. Season. STEP 4 To make hummus, add reserved cauliflower, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic and yoghurt to a food processor and process until combined. Season. STEP 5 In a small bowl, combine vinegar, sugar and water until dissolved. Add onion. Set aside to pickle for 10 minutes. STEP 6 Heat large chargrill pan on high. Cook skewers for 12 minutes, turning, or until cooked through. Serve chicken with cauliflower rice, hummus, pickled onion, extra herbs and lemon wedges. STICKY!CHICKEN! WINGS!WITH! TANGY!SLAW! Preparation time 15 mins Cooking time 30 mins Serves 4-6 1.5kg chicken wings 1 cup Texas barbecue-style marinade 1/4 red cabbage, finely shredded 1/4 wombok, finely shredded 200g edamame, thawed 1 avocado, diced 1 bunch radish, thinly sliced 1/2 bunch coriander, leaves picked 1 carrot, peeled, shredded 1/2 cup seaweed salad 1/4 cup pickled ginger 4 green onions, sliced 1/3 cup ponzu sauce 2 Tbsp soy sauce 1 Tbsp sesame oil Toasted sesame seeds, to serve STEP 1 Preheat oven to 220!C fan-forced (240!C conventional). Line a large oven tray with baking paper. STEP 2 Combine chicken wings and marinade in a large bowl and toss to coat. Transfer to prepared tray and bake for 30 minutes, turning halfway, or until sticky and slightly charred. STEP 3 To make slaw, combine cabbage, wombok, edamame, avocado, radish, coriander, carrot, seaweed, ginger and onion in a large bowl. STEP 4 To make dressing, whisk together ponzu, soy sauce and sesame oil. Drizzle over slaw. Top chicken wings with sesame seeds and serve with slaw. SPAGHETTI!WITH! RICOTTA'!PORK! AND!ZUCCHINI! MEATBALLS Preparation time 20 mins Cooking time 25 mins Serves 4-6 400g zucchini 500g pork mince 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley, plus extra 2 Tbsp 1 free-range egg 2/3 cup light rico)a 1 cup panko crumbs 2 tsp finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season 350g spaghe)ini 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 800g mix-a-mato tomatoes STEP 1 Grate half of the zucchini (200g) and wrap with a paper towel or a clean tea towel to squeeze out excess liquid. Add zucchini to a bowl with pork, garlic, parsley, egg, 1/3 cup of the rico%a, 1/2 cup of the panko crumbs and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Season. Roll tablespoonfuls into balls and put on a plate or tray. Refrigerate, covered, until needed. STEP 2 Using a spiraliser, slice remaining zucchini into long noodles. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil. Cook spaghe%ini for 4 minutes or until just undercooked, adding zucchini spirals to pasta water in last 30 seconds. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. STEP 3 Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large frypan on high. Cook meatballs for 10-12 minutes, turning, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate. STEP 4 Add 1 tablespoon of the oil to same pan on medium. Cook remaining panko crumbs for 1-2 minutes, stirring, or until golden. Transfer to a bowl and add extra chopped flat-leaf parsley and remaining lemon zest.
Budget-friendly beef mince, silky vermicelli, fresh vegies and punchy marinade turn salad from a side to a marvellous main! CRISPY!LEMONGRASS! BEEF!AND!NOODLE!SALAD Preparation time 15 mins Cooking time 15 mins Serves 6 200g rice vermicelli 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 500g beef mince 2 carrots, peeled, finely shredded 2 Lebanese cucumbers, julienned 200g solanato tomatoes, halved 1 small red onion, finely sliced 2 cups each Thai basil and Vietnamese mint, torn 2 cups bean sprouts 1/4 cup fried shallots (optional) LEMONGRASS!MARINADE 11/2 Tbsp lemongrass paste 2 tsp ginger paste 3 cloves garlic, crushed 1/4 cup soy sauce 2 tsp honey DRESSING 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 rice wine vinegar 1 Tbsp sugar STEP 1 Soak vermicelli in warm water for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside. STEP 2 For Lemongrass marinade, combine all ingredients in small bowl. STEP 3 Heat oil in a frying pan on high heat. Cook beef for 5 minutes, breaking up with wooden spoon. Add marinade, cook for 8-10 minutes or until sauce has absorbed and beef is slightly crispy. Remove from heat and set aside. STEP 4 Combine carrot, cucumber, tomato, onion, herbs and bean sprouts in large bowl. Toss through vermicelli and beef to combine. STEP 5 For the Dressing, combine ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until sugar has dissolved. Pour over beef and noodle salad. Serve with shallots. FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG "%
EASY!MEALS ONE-PAN! PRAWNS!WITH! SPICY!SAUCE! AND!PINEAPPLE! SALSA Preparation time 15 mins Cooking time 22 mins Serves 4 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra, to drizzle 600g large green prawns, peeled, tails intact 1 red onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped 400g small roma tomatoes, roughly chopped 1 red chilli, seeds removed, finely chopped 1/4 cup picked oregano leaves 6 anchovies 2 x 310g jars roasted red pepper strips, drained Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season Toasted sourdough, to serve PINEAPPLE SALSA 1/2 pineapple, diced 1 small red onion, diced 1/2 bunch coriander, finely chopped, plus extra leaves, to serve Zest and juice of 1 lime, plus wedges, to serve STEP 1 Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large frypan on high heat. Cook prawns for 1 minute each side until golden. Transfer to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm. STEP 2 Add remaining oil to pan and reduce heat to low. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until !" BHG FEBRUARY#!$!% so!ened. Add tomato, red chilli, oregano and anchovies. Cook, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes or until tomatoes have broken down. STEP 3 Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Transfer to a blender with roasted pepper strips and blitz until smooth. Season. Pour mixture back into pan, add prawns, simmer for 5 minutes. STEP 4 Meanwhile, to make Pineapple salsa, combine all ingredients in a bowl. STEP 5 Drizzle prawns with extra oil and serve with salsa, extra coriander leaves, sourdough and lime wedges. WALNUT! AND!ROCKET! PESTO!PASTA! Preparation time 15 mins Cooking time 10 mins Serves 4 300g zucchini, grated 60g rocket 2/3 cup walnuts, toasted 1/2 bunch of basil, leaves picked Zest and juice of 1 lemon 1 cup finely grated parmesan 3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season 400g medium pasta shapes 1 cup pi&ed Sicilian olives 1 cup firm rico&a STEP 1 Squeeze excess moisture from zucchini. Add zucchini to a food processor with half of the rocket, half of the walnuts, basil, lemon zest and juice, parmesan and garlic. Blitz until pesto-like consistency. Transfer to a bowl and stir in oil. Season. STEP 2 Bring a large saucepan of salted water to boil. Cook pasta for 8 minutes or until al dente. Reserve 1/3 cup of the cooking liquid and drain pasta. STEP 3 Heat a large frypan on medium heat. Add pesto mixture and stir for 30 seconds or until warm. Add pasta and reserved liquid and toss to combine. Add remaining rocket, walnuts and olives. Serve with rico%a. SPICED! BARRAMUNDI! TACOS!WITH! TOMATO!SALSA Preparation time 15 mins Cooking time 15 mins Serves 4 800g side of barramundi, skin on 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp Cajun spice mix Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season 3 roma tomatoes, deseeded, diced 1 small red onion, finely diced 1 jalapeño, finely diced 1/2 bunch coriander leaves, finely chopped, plus sprigs, to serve 11/2 Tbsp lime juice, plus extra 1/4 cup, and wedges, to serve 1 avocado 1/2 cup sour cream 8 white corn tortillas Olive oil spray 1/2 iceberg le&uce, shredded STEP 1 Preheat oven to 200&C fan-forced (220&C conventional). Line a large oven tray with baking paper. Put barramundi on tray, skin-side down. Rub with oil and sprinkle with Cajun spice. Season. Bake for 15 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove from oven and flake into large chunks. STEP 2 Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine tomato, onion, jalapeño and half of the coriander. Drizzle with lime juice. Season. Set salsa aside for 15 minutes. STEP 3 To make dressing, in a small food processor, blitz avocado, sour cream and extra lime juice. Add a li%le water, if needed, for runny consistency. STEP 4 Meanwhile, heat a chargrill pan on high. Spray tortillas with oil. Grill for 20-30 seconds each side until toasted. STEP 5 Fill tortillas with flaked barramundi, shredded le%uce, salsa and dressing. Serve with lime wedges and remaining coriander. Photography Con Poulos; styling Jaimee Curdie; food preparation Clare Maguire; recipe development Tamika O’Neill STEP 5 Heat remaining oil in same pan on medium. Cook tomatoes for 5 minutes, stirring, or until beginning to blister and collapse. Add reserved cooking liquid, remaining 1/3 cup of the rico%a, lemon juice, spaghe%ini and zucchini, toss to combine. Add meatballs and combine in sauce. STEP 6 Serve topped with lemon crumb.
DIABETIC!FRIENDLY eat well Designed for foodies with diabetes, this recipe is so tasty the whole fam will love it! RICOTTA"!SPINACH"! BASIL!&!LEMON!DIP Photography Ben Dearnley; styling Vanessa Austin; food preparation Sarah Mayoh; recipe Alison Roberts. Prices are approximate and a guide only. Preparation time 15 mins Cooking time nil Serves 8 (as a starter) 200g baby spinach leaves 45g walnuts 1 clove garlic Finely grated zest and juice of 1/2 a lemon 1/2 bunch basil, leaves picked, plus extra leaves, to serve 100g smooth ricotta 30g reduced-fat feta 70g low-fat Greek-style natural yoghurt Freshly ground black pepper 1 large carrot, peeled, cut into sticks 1 large Lebanese cucumber, cut into sticks 100g snow peas, topped and tailed 1 large red capsicum, cut into strips 1 large green capsicum, cut into strips Watercress sprigs, to serve STEP 1 Put spinach leaves in large heatproof bowl. Pour over boiling water. Drain, pour spinach into a colander. Set aside for 5 minutes. Squeeze out any excess moisture. STEP 2 Put spinach, walnuts, garlic, lemon zest and basil in bowl of a small food processor. Cover and process until finely chopped. Add the lemon juice, ricotta, feta and yoghurt. Process until well combined. Season with pepper. STEP 3 Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Cover and put in fridge until ready to serve. Serve with the vegie sticks, watercress and extra basil leaves. TAKE A DIP Impress at your next get-together with an easy (and be!er for you) homemade dip! N U T R ITI O N A L I N F O Per serve 486kJ (116Cal), protein 6g, total fat 6g (sat. fat 1g), carbs 7g, fibre 4g, sodium 109mg. • Carb exchanges • GI estimate low • Gluten-free • Lower carb For more deliciously healthy recipes and expert advice, pick up a copy of the Jan/Feb issue of Diabetic Living, $8.99, at your supermarket or newsagent. FEBRUARY"#$#% BHG #&
FALAFEL WRAPS Create your own version of this takeaway staple. Just blitz it all together in a food processor, then roll and go. Too easy! Recipe on page 38 POCKET-FRIENDLY FAVOURITES Serve up filling and dazzling dinners, plus sweet treats for next to nix!
LOW-COST"EATS BUDGET FRIENDLY IDEAS BEETROOT AND LENTIL BUGERS Give burger night a meat-free twist even meat-lovers will enjoy. Feeding a crowd? Make your burgers marvellous minis! Use small dinner rolls and form the pa!ies into the same size width as the rolls. Recipe on page 38 FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG %&
Spin this classic bakery fave into a meat-free winner with extra hidden vegies! For a pop of heat for the grown-ups, add 1 teaspoon of chilli flakes. MEAT-FREE"‘SAUSAGE’"ROLLS Preparation time 15 mins plus cooling Cooking time 30 mins Makes 14 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 small brown onion, finely chopped 1 small carrot, coarsely grated 80g broccoli, finely chopped 400g can lentils, drained, rinsed 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 Tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley, plus extra, to serve 11/2 cups grated tasty cheese 11/4 cups dried breadcrumbs 2 free-range eggs, plus 1 extra !" BHG FEBRUARY#"$"% Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season 31/2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed, halved 1 tsp sesame seeds Tomato sauce, to serve STEP 1 In a large frying pan, heat the oil on medium heat. Cook onion for 5 minutes until so!ened. Add carrot, broccoli, lentils and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring, until vegetables are tender. Stir in parsley. Set aside to cool slightly. STEP 2 Preheat oven to 200°C fan-forced (220°C conventional). Line two oven trays with baking paper. STEP 3 In a food processor, combine cooled onion mixture with cheese, breadcrumbs and eggs. Pulse until just combined (don’t over-pulse). Season. STEP 4 Divide onion mixture along one long edge of each pastry half. Roll up to enclose and cut each roll into 2 pieces. Put on prepared trays, seam-side down. Lightly beat extra egg and brush over rolls, sprinkle with sesame seeds and a li"le salt. STEP 5 Bake for 20 minutes until golden and puffed. Serve with tomato sauce and extra parsley.
LOW-COST!EATS MOROCCAN!BAKED!EGGS! 4 free-range eggs Small flat-leaf parsley leaves, lemon wedges, guacamole and pita bread, to serve 500g mini microwave potatoes 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 cup sliced chargrilled capsicum 2 red onions, sliced 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 Tbsp harissa paste 700ml bo"le tomato passata 400g can chickpeas, rinsed, drained 2 Tbsp coriander, chopped Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season STEP 1 Preheat oven to 200°C fan-forced (220°C conventional). STEP 2 Cook potatoes following packet directions. Cut into 2cm chunks. STEP 3 In an ovenproof frying pan, heat oil on high. Cook potatoes for 5-6 minutes, until golden. Transfer to a plate. Cook capsicum, onion and garlic for 4-5 minutes until tender. Preparation time 15 mins Cooking time 35 mins Serves 4 Serve this spice-filled vego delight up for brunch or dinner. Want some meat? Add 1 sliced chorizo with the onion in Step 3. STEP 4 Stir in paste and cook for 1 minute. Add passata, chickpeas and coriander. Bring to a simmer. Return potatoes to pan. Season. STEP 5 Make four indents in capsicum mixture with back of a spoon. Crack an egg into each. Bake for 8-10 minutes until egg whites set. STEP 6 Sca!er parsley leaves over and serve eggs with lemon wedges, guacamole and pita bread for dipping.
LOW-COST!EATS Punchy curry chook, vibrant lime pickle and stacks of fresh veg – this bowl has it all! CHICKEN!MADRAS! POKE!BOWL Preparation time 10 mins Cooking time 32 mins Makes 4 600g chicken thigh fillets 1/3 cup Madras curry paste 2 Tbsp peanut oil !" BHG FEBRUARY#$%$" 2 x 400g cans lentils, rinsed, drained 400g can chickpeas, rinsed, drained 1/4 cup lime pickle 120g baby spinach leaves Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season 250g grape tomatoes, halved 250g baby cucumbers, sliced Tzatziki, coriander leaves, mint leaves and roti, to serve STEP 1 Preheat oven to 200°C fan-forced (220°C conventional). Line an oven tray with baking paper. STEP 2 Coat chicken thighs in curry paste and arrange on prepared tray. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Set aside, loosely covered, for 5 minutes. Slice thickly. STEP 3 Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat oil on high. Cook lentils, chickpeas and pickle for 4-5 minutes. Add spinach leaves, cook for 1-2 minutes or until spinach is just wilted. Season. STEP 4 Serve chicken on top of the lentil mixture with tomato, cucumber, tzatziki, coriander, mint and roti.
BOLOGNESE!PASTA!BAKE Preparation time 10 mins Cooking time 55 mins Serves 4 300g penne pasta 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed 500g pork and veal mince 1 zucchini, finely chopped 1 carrot, peeled, finely chopped 500g jar tomato pasta sauce 3/4 cup water 2 tsp dried Italian herbs Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley, plus extra, to serve 1/2 cup grated tasty cheese 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan STEP 1 Preheat oven to 200°C fan-forced (220°C conventional). Lightly grease a 10-cup casserole dish. STEP 2 In a large saucepan of boiling salted water, cook pasta following packet directions. Drain well and set aside. STEP 3 Meanwhile, in a large frying pan, heat oil on high heat. Cook onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes until tender. Add mince. Cook for 4-5 minutes until browned, breaking up lumps. Add zucchini and carrot. Cook for 3-4 minutes. STEP 4 Stir in sauce, water and dried herbs. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low, simmer, covered, for 15 minutes until thickened slightly. Season. STEP 5 Toss cooked pasta and parsley through mince. Spoon mixture into dish. Top with cheeses. STEP 6 Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden. Served topped with extra flat-leaf parsley. COOK' S TIP For an extra crunchy top, mix 2 tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs with cheese before sprinkling over pasta prior to baking. Dried and fresh herbs add flavour on a budget for a hearty, filling dinner that will have everyone coming back for seconds...
Recreate this market stall special at home! To make a meat-free option, simply omit the lamb mince. LAMB!&!SPINACH!GOZLEME Preparation time 30 mins Cooking time 30 mins Makes 6 4 cups plain flour, plus extra, for dusting 1 tsp salt flakes 11/2 cups warm water 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil Lemon wedges, to serve FILLING 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra 1/4 cup 1 onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp sumac 1 tsp chilli flakes 500g lamb mince 200g feta, crumbled 150g baby spinach leaves, roughly chopped Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season STEP 1 Si! flour and salt into a large bowl. Make a well in centre, gradually stir in water and oil, mix to form a firm dough. STEP 2 Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Return to bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. STEP 3 For Filling, in a large frying pan, heat oil on high. Cook onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes. Stir in cumin, sumac and chilli. Cook for 1 minute. Add mince. Cook for 4-5 minutes until browned, breaking up lumps. Transfer to a bowl. Cool for 10 minutes. Stir in feta and spinach. Season. STEP 4 Divide dough into 6 portions. On a floured surface, roll each piece into a 20 x 30cm rectangle. Spoon filling evenly over 1/2 of each rectangle. Fold dough to enclose, press edges. STEP 5 Heat a large frying pan on medium. Brush gozleme with a li$le extra oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes each side in batches until browned. Repeat with remaining gozleme. Cut into large pieces. Serve with lemon wedges.
LOW-COST!EATS Raid the cupboard and the fruit bowl for a teatime treat that’s impossible to stop at just one piece! CINNAMON!APPLE!CAKE! Preparation time 15 mins Cooking time 45 mins Makes 6 125g unsalted bu"er, at room temperature 2/3 cup caster sugar 3 free-range eggs 1 cup self-raising flour 1/2 cup plain flour 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/3 cup bu"ermilk 2 green apples, peeled, cored, thinly sliced 1/4 cup slivered almonds 2 tsp brown sugar Double cream and icing sugar, to serve STEP 1 Preheat oven to 160°C fan-forced (180°C conventional). Grease and line a 20cm springform pan with baking paper. STEP 2 In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat bu!er and sugar until pale and creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating a"er each addition. STEP 3 Si" flours and cinnamon together, then lightly fold into bu!er mixture, alternating with bu!ermilk. Pour ba!er into prepared pan, then arrange apple over top. Sca!er with almonds, sprinkle with brown sugar. STEP 4 Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a skewer inserted into centre comes out clean. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve with double cream and dusted with icing sugar. FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG %&
LOW-COST!EATS Preparation time 15 mins plus 1 hour chilling Cooking time 20 mins Serves 6 400g can chickpeas, drained, rinsed 250g frozen broad beans, thawed, peeled 1/4 cup plain flour, plus extra, for dusting 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves 1/4 cup mint leaves 6 green onions, thinly sliced 1 free-range egg 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground coriander Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season Vegetable oil, for deep-frying 3/4 cup baba ganoush 1 bunch rocket leaves 6 Lebanese bread rounds, warmed 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges 1 red onion, thinly sliced into rounds Aioli, to serve STEP 1 Put chickpeas, beans, flour, parsley, mint, onion, egg, garlic and spices in food processor. Process until almost smooth. Season. Transfer mixture to a bowl. Refrigerate, covered, for 1 hour. STEP 2 Using lightly floured hands, roll rounded tablespoons of falafel mixture into balls and transfer to a tray. STEP 3 In a wide, deep saucepan, heat about 10cm of oil on high until it reaches 170°C on a thermometer. Deep-fry falafel in 3 batches for 5-6 minutes each, turning, until golden. Drain on paper towel and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. STEP 4 Serve falafel with baba ganoush, rocket, Lebanese bread, tomato, onion and aioli. BEETROOT!AND! LENTIL!BURGERS! Preparation time 20 mins plus chilling Cooking time 20 mins Serves 4 2 medium beetroot, peeled, grated 400g can lentils, rinsed, drained 200g feta, crumbled 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs 2 free-range eggs, lightly beaten 3 green onions, thinly sliced 1 Tbsp chopped mint leaves 1/2 tsp sumac Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 4 bread rolls, split 1 avocado, mashed 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1/4 cup peri peri mayonnaise 1 baby cos le%uce, leaves separated Sweet potato fries, to serve STEP 1 Using paper towel, squeeze excess liquid from beetroot. Put in a bowl. STEP 2 Pulse lentils until pulpy. Transfer to bowl with beetroot. Stir in feta, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, mint and sumac. Mix well. Season. STEP 3 Shape beetroot mixture into 4 pa!ies. Chill in fridge for 15 minutes. STEP 4 In a large frying pan, heat oil on medium. Cook pa!ies for 4-5 minutes each side in batches until golden. Drain on paper towel. STEP 5 Spread roll bases with avocado, pa!ies, onion, mayonnaise and le!uce. Top with bun tops and serve with sweet potato fries. NO-BAKE!CHOC! ALMOND! WEET-BIX!SLICE Preparation time 10 mins plus 4 hours chilling Cooking time 3 mins Makes 6 150g Weet-Bix (about 9 Weet-Bix), broken 2 cups pi%ed dates, chopped 1 cup roasted almonds, plus extra chopped, to top 1 cup shredded coconut, plus extra, to top 1/2 cup cocoa 100g milk chocolate, chopped 1/3 cup honey 1/3 cup water TOPPING 200g milk chocolate, chopped 2 tsp vegetable oil STEP 1 Grease a 27.5 x 17.5 x 3.5cm rectangular slice pan. Line base and sides with baking paper, extending paper 5cm above pan edges. STEP 2 In a large bowl, combine Weet-Bix, pi!ed dates, roasted almonds, coconut, cocoa and chocolate. In two batches, process combined ingredients in a food processor until finely chopped. Return chopped mixture to food processor, add combined honey and water and pulse until mixture comes together. Press mixture into prepared pan with damp fingers. Refrigerate for 15 minutes. STEP 3 For the Topping, in a bowl, heat chocolate and oil in microwave (50% power) for 2-3 minutes, stirring every minute, or until melted. Cool for 5 minutes. Pour over slice and use the back of a spoon to spread evenly. Sca!er with extra chopped almonds and coconut. Refrigerate for 4 hours or until set. STEP 4 Cut choc almond slice into squares to serve. Photography James Moffatt, John Paul Urizar; styling Olivia Blackmore, Michele Cranston, Janelle Bloom; food preparation Kerrie Worner, Rebecca Lyall FALAFEL! WRAPS
NO-BAKE CHOC ALMOND WEET-BIX SLICE Elevate arvo tea with a heavenly slice of roasted almonds and a double hit of choc! Recipe on the opposite page FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG %&
BAKED!GOODS CHEESY SUPER GREENS MUFFIN MANIA Load up these easy muffins with tempting twists on the Basic savoury or Basic sweet recipes, then grab and go for simple, satisfying snacks! Recipes from page 42 BACON, ZUCCHINI AND TOMATO CHORIZO, PUMPKIN, CAPSICUM AND FETA Ace your base, then pick your add-ins for delish sweet and savoury treats! mUFFIN
PEACH AND PISTACHIO BANANA, OAT AND HONEY Finish with a drizzle of Wild Nectar Pure Australian Honey – sweet! RASPBERRY, ALMOND AND CHIA FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG $%
BAKED"GOODS HOW TO MAKE BASIC SAVOURY MUFFINS Preparation time 20 mins Cooking time 25 mins Makes 6 21/2 cups self-raising flour 1 tsp sweet paprika Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season 1/2 cup grated tasty cheese 2 free-range eggs, lightly beaten 1 cup milk 125g bu(er, melted, cooled STEP 1 Preheat oven to 180°C fan-forced (200°C conventional). Line a 6-hole, 3/4-cup capacity Texas muffin pan with cases. STEP 2 Si" flour, paprika and a pinch of salt into a bowl. Stir in cheese. Season. STEP 3 Whisk eggs, milk and bu#er in a jug until combined. STEP 4 Make a well in centre of flour mixture. Pour in egg mixture. Stir until just combined. Spoon ba#er into cases. STEP 5 Bake for 25 minutes or until a skewer inserted into centre of muffin comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. 1 quantity Basic savoury muffin ingredients 1 small zucchini 3 rindless bacon rashers 2 green onions, finely chopped 1/2 cup semi-dried tomatoes, chopped STEP 1 Preheat oven to 180°C fan-forced (200°C conventional). Line a 6-hole, 3/4-cup capacity Texas muffin pan with cases. STEP 2 Using the large holes of a box grater, grate zucchini and transfer to a bowl. Squeeze excess moisture from zucchini and set aside. STEP 3 Thinly slice bacon. Heat a small frying pan on medium heat, cook bacon for 3 minutes until golden. Remove from heat and set aside for 5 minutes to cool. Reserve half the bacon for topping. STEP 4 Follow Step 2 of Basic savoury muffin recipe, add in zucchini, remaining bacon, onion and tomato. STEP 5 Follow Steps 3-4 of Basic savoury muffin recipe. Sprinkle tops with reserved bacon. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into centre comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or cold. STEP 1 Preheat oven to 180°C fan-forced (200°C conventional). Line a 6-hole, 3/4-cup capacity Texas muffin pan with cases. STEP 2 Put spinach in a heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. Set aside for 3-4 minutes until spinach has wilted, then drain. Refresh wilted spinach in cold water and squeeze out excess water. Finely chop spinach. STEP 3 Follow Step 2 of Basic savoury muffin recipe. Add onion, parsley, thyme and half of the parmesan. STEP 4 Follow Step 3 of Basic savoury recipe, adding wilted spinach. STEP 5 Follow Step 4 of Basic savoury recipe. Sprinkle tops with remaining parmesan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into centre comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. STEP 6 Put rico$a in a bowl and use a wooden spoon to beat until smooth. Season. STEP 7 Top muffins with rico$a and thyme sprigs. Serve. C O O K ' S TI P C O O K ' S TI P To make this meat-free, simply omit the bacon and cook as directed. You could also add 1/4 cup black olives, roughly chopped, to the mixture along with the zucchini in Step 4. This is a great way to use up wilted greens in the fridge. You could use dill or rosemary in place of the thyme or add 2 tsp dried Italian herbs for a super herby flavour. NOW ADD YOUR FAVE FLAVOUR BACON!" ZUCCHINI"AND" TOMATO Preparation time 30 mins Cooking time 35 mins Makes 6 $% BHG FEBRUARY&%'%$ 2 Tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley 11/2 tsp chopped thyme leaves, plus extra sprigs, to serve 3/4 cup finely grated parmesan 150g fresh firm rico(a CHEESY"SUPER" GREENS CHORIZO!" PUMPKIN!" CAPSICUM" AND"FETA Preparation time 20 mins Cooking time 25-30 mins Makes 6 Preparation time 35 mins Cooking time 45 mins Makes 6 1 quantity Basic savoury muffin ingredients 180g baby spinach leaves 2 green onions, finely chopped 1 quantity Basic savoury muffin ingredients 200g Kent pumpkin, peeled, cut into 1cm pieces
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 small red capsicum 125g chorizo 1 small brown onion, cut in thin wedges 200g Greek feta, crumbled 2 Tbsp pepitas STEP 1 Preheat oven to 220°C fan-forced (240°C conventional). Line a 6-hole, 3/4-cup capacity Texas muffin pan with cases. STEP 2 Line a large oven tray with baking paper. Toss pumpkin and half the oil on the tray. Bake for 15 minutes until almost tender (see Cook's tips). Cool. STEP 3 Reduce oven to 180°C fan-forced (200°C conventional). STEP 4 Meanwhile, cut 12 thin strips from capsicum and set aside. Finely chop remaining capsicum. STEP 5 Halve chorizo lengthways, then halve again to make quarters. Thinly slice chorizo quarters. In a small frying pan, heat remaining oil on medium heat. Cook chorizo, onion and chopped capsicum for 5 minutes until so$ened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool for 5 minutes. STEP 6 Follow Steps 2-3 of Basic savoury muffin recipe. STEP 7 Follow Step 4 of Basic savoury recipe and gently fold cooled pumpkin, chorizo mixture and half the feta into ba%er. STEP 8 Top muffin ba%er with reserved capsicum strips and sca%er with pepitas. STEP 9 Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into centre comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Crumble remaining feta over top of the muffins before serving. COOK' S TIPS • Ensure pumpkin isn’t too tender when baked. It will continue to cook in the muffins. • To make these meat-free, simply omit the chorizo. HOW TO MAKE BASIC SWEET MUFFINS Preparation time 15 mins Cooking time 25 mins Makes 6 2 cups self-raising flour 3/4 cup caster sugar 2 free-range eggs, lightly beaten 2/3 cup milk 1 tsp vanilla extract 125g unsalted bu'er, melted, cooled STEP 1 Preheat oven to 180°C fan-forced (200°C conventional). Line a 6-hole, 3/4 cup capacity Texas muffin pan with cases. STEP 2 Si" flour and sugar into a bowl. STEP 3 Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla and bu#er in jug until combined. STEP 4 Make a well in centre of flour mixture. Pour in bu#er mixture. Stir until just combined. Spoon ba#er evenly into cases STEP 5 Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a skewer inserted into centre comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. NOW ADD YOUR FAVE FLAVOUR PEACH!AND! PISTACHIO! Preparation time 30 mins Cooking time 25 mins Makes 6 1 quantity Basic sweet muffin ingredients 410g sliced peaches in juice, drained 11/2 tsp ground nutmeg 3/4 cup pistachios, roughly chopped 1 tsp vanilla bean paste 1 Tbsp raw sugar STEP 1 Preheat oven to 180°C fan-forced (200°C conventional). Line a 6-hole, 3/4-cup capacity Texas muffin pan with cases. STEP 2 Reserve 6 peach slices. Finely chop remaining peaches. STEP 3 Follow Step 2 of Basic sweet muffin recipe, add nutmeg and half the pistachio. STEP 4 Follow Steps 3-4 of Basic sweet recipe. Add peaches and vanilla to ba%er. STEP 5 Halve reserved peaches and arrange 2 halves on top of each muffin. Sca%er with remaining pistachio and raw sugar. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a skewer inserted into centre comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Serve. RASPBERRY*! ALMOND!AND! CHIA Preparation time 25 mins Cooking time 25 mins Makes 6 1 quantity Basic sweet muffin ingredients 11/2 cups frozen raspberries 1/3 cup toasted natural flaked almonds, plus extra 1/4 cup, to decorate 1 Tbsp black chia seeds ICING 1 cup pure icing sugar, si+ed 1 Tbsp lemon juice STEP 1 Preheat oven to 180°C fan-forced (200°C conventional). Line a 6-hole, 3/4-cup capacity Texas muffin pan with cases. STEP 2 Follow Steps 2-4 of Basic sweet muffin recipe, folding raspberries, toasted almonds
BAKED!GOODS BANANA"! OAT!AND! HONEY Preparation time 30 mins Cooking time 25 mins Makes 6 sugar with brown sugar, and adding oats and cinnamon. STEP 4 Follow Step 3 of Basic sweet muffin recipe, adding banana to jug. STEP 5 Follow Step 4 of Basic sweet recipe. Sprinkle tops with crumble. STEP 6 Bake for 25 minutes or until a skewer inserted into centre comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack. STEP 7 For Icing, use electric beaters to beat all ingredients until smooth. Spoon mixture into piping bag fi!ed with a 1cm round nozzle. Pipe mixture onto muffins. Serve with banana chips and extra honey. HOW SWEET IT IS Wild Nectar honey is 100% Australian, cold-extracted raw honey. Available in Pure, Organic and Orange Blossom, wildnectarhoney.com.au. HOW TO MAKE PAPER MUFFIN CASES 1 quantity Basic sweet muffin ingredients 3/4 cup brown sugar 2 Tbsp rolled oats 1 tsp ground cinnamon 2 medium very ripe banana, mashed (you'll need approx. 3/4 cup) Banana chips, to serve CRUMBLE 1/4 cup plain flour 2 Tbsp brown sugar 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 30g unsalted bu(er, chilled, chopped 2 Tbsp rolled oats STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 4 HONEY ICING 250g cream cheese, so)ened 60g unsalted bu(er, so)ened 1/3 cup Wild Nectar Pure Australian Honey, plus extra, to drizzle STEP 1 Preheat oven to 180°C fan-forced (200°C conventional). Line a 6-hole, 3/4-cup capacity Texas muffin pan with cases. STEP 2 For Crumble, combine flour, sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Rub in bu!er until mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Stir in oats. Set aside. STEP 3 Follow Step 2 of Basic sweet muffin recipe, replacing the caster "" BHG FEBRUARY#$%$" STEP 1 Put a 13cm square piece of baking paper over the base of a glass (ensure base of glass fits in your muffin tray). STEP 2 Fold paper over glass so the paper ‘pleats’ to create a cup. STEP 3 Gently remove the glass. STEP 4 Put cases in tray. Photography Con Poulos; styling Jaimee Curdie; food preparation and recipe development Kathy Knudsen and chia seeds into ba!er. STEP 3 Sprinkle tops with extra almonds. Bake for 25 minutes or until a skewer inserted into centre comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack. STEP 4 Combine icing sugar and lemon juice in a small heatproof bowl until thick. Sit bowl over pan of simmering water and stir until warm. Drizzle icing over muffins to serve.
KITCHEN!MATTERS better cooking [ T H E L AT E S T P R O D U C T S A N D T R E N D S ] FIZZY FUN Your favourite so! drink flavours are now packed with the good stuff! Created in Melbourne with only 32-40 calories per can, and including an all-natural prebiotic, your tastebuds and gut will love these summer sippers. Bobby so! drink, various flavours, $4 each, or $48/12 pack, drinkbobby.com. CHILL OUT! Easily create homemade ice-cream, sorbet and even milkshakes with this handy ice-cream maker. Pre-freeze your mixture, then select one of seven one-touch programs to transform your frozen mixture into a treat! Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker, $299, harveynorman.com.au. STRAIGHT TO THE SAUCE Give your sriracha an Italian spin with olive oil and fresh chilli. Plus, there’s no added sugar or preservatives. Bippi’s Italian Style Sriracha, $13, available nationally in supermarkets, bippifoods.com. Prices are approximate and a guide only. Super spread how sweet it is Bowl ’em over with berry nice strawberries! Grown in Tasmania, Sweetest Batch strawberries have a lovely sweet flavour and aroma for consistently superior fruit. Available until April. Driscoll’s Sweetest Batch strawberries, driscolls.com.au. Indulge in a decadent hazelnut chocolate spread that’s also great as a sweet topping. Simply heat it gently and pour over your desserts for a fuss-free sauce. Bonne Maman Hazelnut Chocolate Spread, $8, bonnemaman.com.au. FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG $%
GARDEN!DESIGN IN A TUB! It’s taken just one year to transform a wasteland into a productive and pretty kitchen and ornamental garden GRAHAM ROSS Join me as I show you around this great garden on BHG TV, Friday, February 2, at 7pm on Channel 7. (Apologies, may be subject to change.) For more garden tips go to bhg.com.au. !" BHG FEBRUARY#$%$!
SEEN!ON!BHG!TV FRIDAYS 7.00 1 Summers in Castlemaine, Victoria, are hot and dry, and here the brick wall radiates more heat. For ornamental plants to survive and thrive, they need to be tough, those from the Mediterranean or dry desert areas are ideal. The juniper tree against the wall helps with the Mediterranean feel.
GARDEN!DESIGN 2 The deciduous gleditsia tree provides dappled summer shade and lets in winter sun – ideal for the plants underneath. Put them in their own containers, as here, so they aren’t competing with the tree for water and food. Loving the li!le olive trees! "# BHG FEBRUARY$%&%" DESIGN YOUR SMALL GARDEN AROUND NATURALIST LINES TO MAKE IT LOOK BIGGER, AS HERE.
3 4 5 6 small concrete carpark is no place for a garden but, when it’s facing north and gets all-day sun and is protected on the west by established trees, some imaginative thinking is all that’s required to make a transformation. Set behind Temperance House, a small country pub in Castlemaine, Victoria, the garden now supplies the kitchen with herbs, vegetables and fruit grown in large concrete tubs converted to wicking beds. The theme is ‘naturalistic’ – a complete change from its concrete carpark origins! 7 3 A snowball shrub (Viburnum opulus) is such an extraordinary sight in our summer gardens! In autumn, the flowers turn into large clusters of orange-red berries that can’t be eaten raw, but you can make them into jam or jelly. 4 The facade of Temperance House – a Victorian classic. And there’s not a hint as to what lies behind. 5 Pave around a mighty crepe myrtle. 6 Oh, that all verandahs could be this size! 7 Italian lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is distinguished by its frilly upright petals. It also has a lovely perfume! 8 Seaside daisy (Erigeron karvinskianus) is a dainty but robust groundcover. Plant it between rocks or among pavers – it self-seeds so will continue to pop up. 8
9 10 Naturalistic style blends traditional and modern designs and is both edible and ornamental. There’s no formality or symmetry, instead it’s a free-flowing productive garden with character and whimsy. Plants are arranged in dri!s in seemingly random pa"erns that are repeated to reflect a natural environment. Naturalist gardens are lush, with nearly every space filled with plants kni"ing together like it all happened naturally. This encourages wildlife, such as pollinating birds and insects. THESE TALL PLANTERS ARE ELEGANT, BUT BLUE CHALK STICKS’ ROOTS ARE SHALLOW SO THEY GROW WELL IN SAUCER-LIKE BOWLS AS WELL. 9 Blue chalk sticks and other succulents love hot dry summers and the heat generated from a concrete floor. 10 Harvest time for cabbages depends on the variety – ranging from 12 to 20 weeks. To harvest, cut from the base with a sharp knife. 11 The garden here is just 10 x 10m but packs in practically everything that’s needed for both the kitchen and for pre"ying up other parts of indoors. 12 Concrete tubs are perfectly safe for growing vegetables, but be aware that concrete contains lime that can leach into the soil, raising the pH level and making it alkaline. Counter this with sulphur that you can buy from any nursery, and apply according to the packet instructions. !" BHG FEBRUARY#$"$% 11 Photography Simon Griffiths; landscape design Tim Pilgrim WHAT I S ‘ NATU R ALI ST ’ DESIGN
GARDEN!DESIGN WHAT’S WICKING? WICKING!BEDS!ARE! CONTAINERS!WITH! WATER!RESERVES!AT!THE! BASE"!WATER!IS!DRAWN! UP!THROUGH!THE!SOIL! IN!A!PROCESS!CALLED! CAPILLARY!ACTION!–!OR! WICKING"!THE!PLANT! ROOTS!DRAW!UP!WATER! WHEN!THEY!NEED!IT"! 12
GARDEN!INSPIRATION Growing a natural screen in your garden is far prettier – and much
BUDGET FRIENDLY IDEAS more economical – than putting up a wall, fence or trellis 1 flame throwers With lush, upright foliage and a fast, vigorous growth habit, a mass planting of heliconias gives your garden a tropical look. Many varieties grow 3-4 metres high while smaller ones limit their height to 1-2m. They flower in spring and summer, a!racting birds and bu!erflies. FEBRUARY"#$#% BHG &'
GARDEN!INSPIRATION t may be a garden secret you want kept hidden, or a monstrosity next door you don’t want to see anymore, so a barrier is needed. Decorative garden screens come in many fancy designs, but they can cost hundreds of dollars. A brick wall is also expensive and can cast too much shade, likewise a dense hedge. A less expensive and more a!ractive option is screening plants – some can grow up to 4m tall, they all so"en hard edges such as walls and add textural elements. Importantly, they’re colourful and decorative, adding a new highlight to your garden. 2 Tall and terrific Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants around and will quickly give you the privacy you need. It comes in many shapes, sizes and colours – green, black, brown, gold, variegated, even stripy! Some like sun, others prefer light shade. Choose the one that suits your climate and aspect. 3 4
BETTER TIP ONLY PLANT NON-INVASIVE CLUMPING BAMBOO – RUNNING BAMBOO WITH AGGRESSIVE RHIZOMES SPREADS LIKE CRAZY! 3 obviously ostentatious SCREEN"OR"HEDGE? Hedges and screens share many of the same functions, but they have big differences. A screen is less formal than a hedge. A screen doesn’t need as much maintenance, such as regular trimming to keep it tidy. A hedge totally blocks out what’s behind it, while you can o"en see through a screen. Tall, dense clumps of canna lilies turn awful into awesome, especially when they’re producing their showy flowers from spring to autumn. Flower colours range from pale yellow, to dazzling orange to bright red, and leaves can come in exciting variegations. They love moisture, so you can plant them on the edges of ponds or poorly drained spots. 4 dazzling in the light Ornamental gingers come in a huge range of shapes and sizes, their long leaves are o!en variegated and they have spectacular, brightly coloured flowers that come in multiple forms and last 5-6 months in summer and autumn. They’re lush and add depth and texture to your garden. FEBRUARY#$%$& BHG ''
TOP!REASONS! FOR!A!SCREEN 1 Create privacy from neighbours. 2 Get protection from wind. 3 Muffle street noise. 4 Divide areas into garden rooms. 5 Create a microclimate, for example to cast shade for lower-growing, shade-loving plants. 6 A"ract wildlife. 7 Hide unsightly features, such as water tanks and rubbish bins. 5 #$ BHG FEBRUARY%&'&(
GARDEN!INSPIRATION 5 have a heart-to-heart The impressive foliage of elephant ears can hide a multitude of sins. Choose either a plant with upright leaves, Alocasia, or leaves that point down, Colocasia. There’s also a choice of colour – from lime green to almost black. Some varieties are very tolerant of moisture and you can plant them to be the star of a water feature. 6 it’s a knockout! Big, bold and beautiful, rodgersia can grow up to 2m tall and wide. The foliage makes a dramatic statement, while its summer flowers show a more delicate, mild-mannered side. 6 7 7 fringe festival Growing to 2m tall, goat’s beard (Aruncus dioicus) – also commonly called bride’s feathers – puts out pre!y plumes of tiny flowers in spring to early summer. The dense, billowing mound of foliage extends its appeal. Photography Adobe Stock 8 fountain of joy BETTER TIP RODGERSIA THRIVES BEST WHEN GROWN IN DAMP AND PARTIALLY SHADY PARTS OF YOUR GARDEN. An Australian native, Pennisetum alopecuroides is one of the most beautiful and graceful of the ornamental grasses. Growing up to 60cm tall, the blades swing, sway and rustle in the slightest breeze, a whimsical distraction from what’s behind it. From early summer to early autumn it’s topped with so", fluffy bo!lebrush-like flowers. 8
SUMMER!SURVIVORS 1 If your mild-mannered plants aren’t coping with the high summer temperatures, pot up colourful, heat-loving blooms! Photography GAP Photos/Jonathan Buckley SOME LIKE IT
2 1 , 2 M A K E YO U R G A R D E N H E AV E N LY Angelonia – the summer snapdragon – grows tall and proud as it seeks out the sun. It flowers in pink, crimson, red, lilac and white. It’s a perennial, unless you live in a frost-prone area, in which case treat it as an annual. Planting In spring once the last frost has past. When they’re about 12cm tall, pinch off the tips to encourage fuller growth. Soil Moist, well-draining soil. Aspect Full sun with good air flow. Climate Cool, temperate, subtropical. Water Once a week. Food Fertilise lightly in spring to encourage flowering – too much food will see it produce more foliage than flowers. FEBRUARY"#$#% BHG &'
SUMMER!SURVIVORS A s summer heats up, you can find respite by moving indoors or into the shade. But the plants in your garden beds are stuck where they are, struggling, wilting and perhaps dying. Unless you have plants that thrive, or even revel, under a hot sun and you grow them in containers that you can move into the shade during a severe heatwave. Read on for a slew of beautiful, resilient options! 3 G LOW I N T H E LI G H T ! Bidens are tough annuals that are like starbursts in the daytime, either as a sprawling groundcover, or trailing from a hanging basket. Planting Plant seedlings in spring, but be sure frosts have finished for the year. Soil Well-drained. Aspect Full sun. Climate Cool to tropical, copes well with humidity and is drought-tolerant. Water Water deeply once a week. Food A monthly dose of fertiliser to keep them flowering, or a slow-release fertiliser at the start of growing season. 4 3 4 S O M E T H I N G F O R T H AT E X T R A Z I N G ! Zinnias are among the most carefree and colourful plants you can grow, and are one of the toughest annuals around. Planting Sow as seeds in moist, seed-raising mix 4-6 weeks before the last frost and leave on a sunny windowsill indoors until ready to plant out. Plant as seedlings in late spring when the soil has warmed up. Soil Well-drained. Aspect Full sun. Climate Cool to subtropical, only tolerates humidity. Water Water deeply a couple of times a week. Food A good, balanced feed just before flowering. The scaevola, or fan flower, is an Australian outback native so it is a natural for our hot summers. Planting Plant seedlings in spring once frosts have finished. Soil Well-drained. Aspect Full sun. Climate Temperate to subtropical, arid. Water Twice a month, it’s very drought-tolerant. Food Light feed once a month. Photography GAP Photos/Visions 5 YO U ’ L L A LWAYS B E A FA N
5 CARE FOR CONTAINER PLANTS Only use po!ing mix, not garden soil. Container plants need to be watered more o"en than garden bed plants because excess water flows through the drainage holes. Use a po!ing mix suitable for your plants, for example a high-draining mix for succulents. Replace po!ing mix every year or two, as it eventually collapses, blocking tiny channels essential for water and nutrients to move through. FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG %&
SUMMER!SURVIVORS CHOOSE YOUR CONTAINERS Terraco"a is porous so is ideal for Mediterranean plants and succulents that don’t like wet roots. If you love the way terraco!a ages, and want plants that need higher moisture levels, seal the inside. Glazed pots retain more moisture and they also give you the opportunity to introduce colour to your garden. Concrete pots imitate limestone or marble. They’re very heavy so are suitable for windy spots. But they leach lime, which raises the pH of the po!ing mix. Plastic pots are lightweight and inexpensive but tend to be short-lived as the sun causes them to degrade over time. Dark plastic pots also become very hot and can damage the roots. Metal pots are lightweight and stylish but can become very hot and damage roots. Fibreglass pots are usually large but relatively lightweight. They’re non-porous and available in a huge range of colours. For a comprehensive range of pots, have a look at the Northcote Po!ery range, northcotepo"ery.com. 6 7 6 S PA R K LI N G I N T H E S U N S H I N E Pentas blooms all summer long in pink, white, red or lavender. The clusters of flowers are a perfect landing pad for bu!erflies! Planting Plant in spring once frosts have passed. Soil Moist, well-drained soil. Aspect Full sun. Climate Considered annuals in cool climates and perennials in temperate to tropical areas. Water Every week, more o"en during extended dry periods. Food Feed monthly with balanced liquid fertiliser to maintain flower production. Tough but pre!y, petunias produce loads of colourful, laughing blooms all summer long. Planting Plant seedlings or semi-mature plants in spring when frosts have finished. Soil Well-drained. Aspect Full sun. Climate Cool, temperate, and dry (not humid) subtropical. Water Once a week, daily if in a container. Food Feed monthly with balanced fertiliser. Photography Adobe Stock, GAP Photos 7 B R I N G J OY TO YO U R WO R L D
8 C LI M B E R T H AT ’ S A B LI N D E R ! The big, showy blooms of the mandevilla vine make a splash in any vertical space you have spare in your garden. Planting Mid to late spring. Soil Well-drained, enriched soil. Aspect Full sun. Climate Temperate to tropical. Water Keep soil moist but not wet. Food Because it’s long-flowering, feed with balanced fertiliser once a month. FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG %&
GROWING!FRUIT S E N S AT I O N ! Grow your own strawberries for an endlessly delicious delight! timing is everything Pick strawberries when they are fully ripe all over – they don’t ripen any further once they’re picked. MELISSA KING Join me for more strawberry ideas on BHG TV, Friday, February 2, at 7pm on Channel 7. (Apologies, may be subject to change.) For more garden tips go to bhg.com.au.
SEEN!ON!BHG!TV FRIDAYS 7.00 Hang with me! Strawberries are ideal container plants because they’re compact and quick growing. Try hanging baskets if space is tight. CARE FOR STRAWBERRIES F rom strawberry plants’ pre!y li!le flowers comes sweet-tasting, rich, red fruit with a beautifully warm fragrance we love so much – it’s worth the li!le effort required to grow your own. And you don’t need much space – growing in a pot is a space-saver! The bonus is that one solitary strawberry plant will, over time, produce more plants – enough to keep you supplied with them for years and years to come. Planting Plant bare-rooted runners in warm climates in autumn, and in cooler climates in late winter. Ensure the crown – where the leaves join the roots – is level or slightly above the soil or po!ing mix surface. Aspect Full sun. Climate Cool to subtropical. Soil Well-drained. Water Weekly to keep soil moist but not soggy. Water the soil, not the plant, leaves are susceptible to mould. Food Liquid feed high in potassium every two weeks during growing season to encourage flowers. More flowers means more fruit. Mulch Essential to stop fruit touching the soil and picking up fungal diseases. FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG %&
GROWING!FRUIT EASY STEPS TO MAKE YOUR STRAWBERRY PLANTER TOWER Gather your supplies • Plastic laundry basket • Hessian sack • Po#ing mix • Strawberry plants x 12 • Ornamental plants such as lavender, marigold and zinnia Spread open a hairpin to use as a mini stake. You’ll also need Drill and 5mm bit; secateurs Here’s how STEP 1 Drill drainage holes in base of basket. STEP 2 Line basket with hessian sack. STEP 3 Push sack through 12 holes in basket and cut holes in sack with secateurs. STEP 4 Fill basket about 2/3 full with po#ing mix. STEP 5 Feed roots of strawberry plants through holes into po#ing mix. STEP 6 Add more po#ing mix to top of basket. STEP 7 Plant out top of basket with ornamental plants of choice. STEP 1 STEP 4 MULTIPLY YOUR PLANTS FOR FREE! Strawberry plants send out side shoots or runners that set down roots to form new plants. But the runners need a lot of energy, so should be removed in the first two years of a plant’s life to direct the energy into fruit production. In year three, the tiny roots on the runners can be used to make new plants. Secure the roots to the soil with a hairpin or wire. A!er about six weeks, cut it free from the parent plant and leave it to grow where it is, or replant in a different spot or pot. STEP 2 STEP 5 STEP 3 !! BHG FEBRUARY"#$#% STEP 7 Photography Brent Wilson, Getty Images; project Josh Culpan Stake runner so its tiny roots are fixed in the soil.
crop rotation Turn your strawberry planter every day so that all the plants are exposed to the sun. Strawberries ideally need a minimum of six hours of sunlight each day. for PROJECT SUPPLIES, see OUR stockists page
GARDEN!MAKEOVER A SHORT RETAINING WALL KEEPS YOUR YARD LOVELY AND NEAT. Build a simple retaining wall – and include a bench for you to sit on and admire your work! SMALL!WALL, BIG!STUNNER !" BHG FEBRUARY#$%$&
SEEN!ON!BHG!TV FRIDAYS 7.00 WHY BUILD A RETAINING WALL T idy up a tangle in your backyard with an easy-tobuild retaining wall – it can make your garden more usable and visually appealing. Plus, retaining walls don’t require much maintenance and you’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor ambience for many years to come. If your land is sloping or uneven, a retaining wall can transform your outdoor space. It • helps create level areas that are more usable. • It prevents soil erosion. • It presents an opportunity to include built-in seating. It • creates visual and textural interest, especially with your choice of material. • You can incorporate garden beds to add colour and vibrancy. • You can use nooks and crannies in the vertical area to add extra plants. colour in moderation In a gentle sea of green, a sufficiency rather than a profusion of white salvia flowers and bold red canna lilies are standouts! go for an eclectic mix Contrast the simple nature of the retaining wall with plants of varied heights and textures – plant colourful flowers so they pop out from the lush foliage. BE FO RE CANNA LILY
GARDEN!MAKEOVER EASY STEPS TO BUILDING A RETAINING WALL AND BENCH Gather your supplies • 200 x 75mm 2.4m hardwood sleepers (9) • 14G x 150mm galvanised bugle screws • 20kg quick-set concrete (6) • Drain ma!ing • 100mm x 8m ag-pipe • 10mm Blue Metal aggregate • Decking stain You’ll also need Wrecking bar; spade; mattock; tape measure; mallet; stakes; string; marking spray; post hole digger; combination square; pencil; circular saw; drill; 6mm drill bit; impact driver; level; scrap timber; 50mm exterior screws; nap roller and tray; potting mix; plants Safety notes • When operating power tools, wear safety glasses, mask, and earmuffs, and tie your hair back. When appropriate, wear gloves and protective clothing. Project notes • On ends of retaining wall, install Wall anchors flush to end of Wall panels. For connecting Wall panels, install Wall anchor with half of Wall anchor on both connecting panels, secure 2 bugles into both panels. If you have corners, connect Wall panels with mitre joint. Here’s how STEP 1 Dig out and remove old retaining wall. Turn over existing soil with wrecking bar, spade and ma!ock. STEP 2 Measure your Components (for a 4.8m-long retaining wall) PART Wall panel Wall anchor Seat panel Seat anchor Strut Back Armrest !" BHG FEBRUARY#$"$% SIZE (IN MM) 2400 x 200 x 75 800 x 200 x 75 1200 x 200 x 75 400 x 200 x 75 400 x 200 x 75 1200 x 200 x 75 400 x 200 x 75 MATERIAL area and adjust the Components (see box below) accordingly, then use tape measure and mallet to measure and hammer stakes into ground at both ends of garden (with equal distance from back wall). Run string between stakes and tie off at each end. Spray ground under line with marking spray, then mark a cross for 5 Wall anchor hole positions every 1200mm (or to suit your garden). STEP 3 Dig Wall anchor Hardwood sleeper Hardwood sleeper Hardwood sleeper Hardwood sleeper Hardwood sleeper Hardwood sleeper Hardwood sleeper QTY 4 5 2 2 2 1 2 holes to 400mm depth with post hole digger. Shovel excess soil onto garden bed. STEP 4 Measure, mark and cut all Components (see list below) with tape measure, combination square, pencil and circular saw. STEP 5 Lay a Wall panel flat, and connect a Wall anchor at a right angle, flush to le# end of panel. Predrill 2 diagonal holes through anchor and into panel, insert bugles and screw tight with impact driver. Repeat for other end of Wall panel with a 100mm overlap, and a third anchor across centre of Wall panel. Repeat for a second bo!om Wall panel; connect to first panel at the anchor with overlap. STEP 6 With an extra pair of hands, li# assembled panels and anchors into anchor holes. Hammer anchors into holes with mallet. With
Back Seat panel Armrest Strut Seat anchor STEP 3 STEP 8 Wall Panel Wall anchor RETAINING WALL DIAGRAM Photography Brent Wilson, Tiff Bancroft; styling Vanessa Tidy; project James West, Greg Sparke STEP 5 bugle screws, a!ach remaining 2 top Wall panels flush to back of Wall anchors and on top of lower panels. STEP 7 To temporarily brace the retaining wall, screw a brace (scrap timber) to side of all Wall anchors, then a!ach stakes to braces. Hammer wall until plumb with mallet and level, then hammer stakes into ground. Pour a bag of concrete into an anchor hole, add water with hose and mix with scrap timber. Repeat for all holes, allow to set. Remove all braces and stakes. STEP 8 For drainage, install drain ma!ing to bed base. Lay ag-pipe on top, with pipe leading surplus water to drain outside of bed, away from retaining wall. Cover pipe with aggregate, then a layer of soil. STEP 9 Repeat Step 3 to dig out 2 Seat anchor holes to 200mm depth. STEP 10 For the bench, put 2 Seat panels parallel with edges together on a flat surface. Put Struts across seat, 300mm in from both ends. Predrill 4 equally spaced holes through Struts and into Seat panels. Install Seat anchors to underside of Seat panel, flush with inner side of Struts and flush to back. Predrill 2 holes through Seat panels and into Seat anchors. Insert screws and tighten. Lower bench into holes and hammer in to secure. Pour half a bag of concrete into each hole, add water and mix. Allow to set. STEP 11 To secure bench to the wall, predrill 3 equally spaced holes through front of Wall panel and into end of Seat panel. Insert screws and tighten. Place Armrests across both edges of Seat panels and flush with end of Wall anchors. Predrill through armrest with 2 diagonal holes. Insert and tighten screws. STEP 12 A!ach Back component flush to ends of both Armrests. Predrill 2 holes through Back and into both Armrests. Insert screws and tighten. STEP 10 STEP 6 STEP 11 STEP 7 STEP 13 Apply 2 coats of decking stain to all visible components with nap roller. Allow to dry a"er each coat. Fill garden bed with po!ing mix and mix in with existing soil. Plant out plants and water in with hose. STEP 12 FOR SHOPPING DETAILS AND PROJECT SUPPLIES, SEE OUR STOCKISTS PAGE FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG %&
CREATIVE!COURTYARD A paved outdoor area is great for fi"ing in folks for summer entertaining, but it can look dull when the vibrant personalities of your friends and family are absent. Flowers can give it a li#, and you could always move your plastic pots into designer containers, but they could cost more than the plants. Save money and dig up pavers and grass, then plant blooms for instant floral fabulousness! 1 make it edgy! 1 Take advantage of the paving pa"ern to extend a handful of bricks into the garden beds – it creates a naturalistic informality to fit in with your relaxed entertainment area. 2 magic corner Foxgloves take you back to childhood fairytales, with their cascading bell-shaped flowers looking like bobbing elves’ hats. Add to the movement, as here, with fine-leafed ornamental grass lomandra. 3 raise the bar The stretch of lawn behind the low wall served no function, but now as a garden bed, there is volume, texture and colour! BE FO RE 2 3
SEEN!ON!BHG!TV FRIDAYS 7.00 B E AU T Y B E T W E E N Create a budget-busting garden within your paved courtyard! CHARLIE ALBONE Join me as I show you how to create these garden beds on BHG TV, Friday, February 2 at 7pm on Channel 7. (Apologies, may be subject to change.) For more landscape tips go to bhg.com.au.
CREATIVE!COURTYARD EASY STEPS TO YOUR COURTYARD GARDEN Allow your garden to encroach on your courtyard to transform your outdoor space! Once you’ve dug up your pavers, re-use them on other projects! Gather your supplies • Organic ma!er • Selection of plants • Mulch Here’s how STEP 1 Dig up turf and turn soil with pickaxe. Dig in organic ma!er. STEP 2 Measure and mark out area of paving to be li"ed. STEP 3 Li" pavers within marked area – you may have to sacrifice the first couple of pavers. STEP 4 Remove sand and road base underneath the pavers with shovel. STEP 5 Turn over soil and dig in organic ma!er. STEP 6 Arrange plants until you’re happy with the display. STEP 7 Dig holes as deep as the pots, and twice as wide. Pour water in holes and, when water is drained, put in plants and press soil gently around plants. STEP 8 Water soil and mulch. spreading the love As well as planting out both sides of a sun bed, think about pu!ing shade-loving plants under it – such as native violets! BUILD A FIRE PIT Bricks withstand heat and this loose arrangement also provides oxygen vents. STEP 5 STEP 1 EDGE A GARDEN BED Keep it tidy by using bricks to contain the soil in your beds. STEP 2 STEP 6 LINE A LAWN Bricks stop grass roots and runners growing where they shouldn’t. STEP 3 "# BHG FEBRUARY$%&%# STEP 8 for PROJECT SUPPLIES, see OUR stockists page Photography Sue Ferris; project James West You’ll also need Pickaxe; spade; tape measure; marker; shovel RE-USING$ YOUR$BRICK$ PAVERS$

GARDEN'TRENDS In your Jenny Dillon Garden Editor It’s time for cool summer drinks for everyone – including your plants SEASON SPECIALS KEY'TO'CLIMATE'ZONES ZONE $ Mild warm summer Cold winter Enjoy the colours of summer. ZONE # Warm summer Cold winter ZONE " Hot dry summer Cold winter ZONE ! Hot dry summer Mild winter ZONE & Warm humid summer ZONE % Hot humid summer Gerbera joy So many bright and cheerful faces in bold and vibrant hues. PLANT NOW sweet Scabiosa A must if you want charming, textured and whimsical flowers. FLOWERS VEGETABLES ALL ZONES Ageratum ALL ZONES Beans (top le"), alyssum, cleome, cyclamen, gypsophila, Iceland poppy, lupin, nigella, pansy, polyanthus, primula and verbena. ZONES 1-3 African marigold (bo!om le"), nasturtium, salvia and sunflower. ZONES 4-6 Lovely lisianthus You get elegant, delicate, ruffled petals from this annual. !" BHG FEBRUARY#$%$& Cornflower, dianthus, everlasting daisy, hollyhock, statice and stock. (top le"), beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, le!uce, leek, radish, spring onion and zucchini. ZONES 1-3 Artichoke (globe), capsicum, celery, cucumber, eggplant, pumpkin, squash, sweet corn and tomato (bo!om le"). ZONES 4-6 Brussels sprout, parsnip and spinach. Photography Tony Fawcett, Adobe Stock, Getty Images In each issue we give ideas, tips and planting advice for cooler, warmer, we!er and drier areas in each zone, so ask at your local nursery which zone best matches your conditions.
SUN-LOVING PETUNIAS. The flower is the poetry of reproduction. It is an example of the eternal seductiveness of life JEAN GIRAUDOUX, FRENCH NOVELIST EVERLASTING DAISIES HOLD THEIR COLOUR WHEN PICKED AND DRIED. DIARY DELIGHT ANNE!FRANK’S! TREE While hiding from Nazis in Amsterdam, Anne Frank marvelled in her diary at the view of a horse-chestnut tree (Aesculus hippocastanum), “...on whose branches li"le raindrops shine, appearing like silver”. Today we are just as enthralled by this tree with its striking white and yellow/ pink blotched blooms. Unlike the normal chestnut, its seeds or “conkers” are inedible, but its presence is near unrivalled. While Anne’s tree blew over in 2010, others grown from its seeds thrive in various places. GARDEN SECRETS How to create pots of great Aussie appeal 3 2 1 AUSSIE RULES Australian plants aren’t just for the wild and bush gardens, they can be enchanting eye-catchers as pot plants – and need less watering than others. POTS ON PARADE Kangaroo paws, compact grevilleas, correas, paper daisies, trailing acacias and striking Banksia ‘Birthday Candles’ are all ideal for pots. POT LOGIC Planting rules include native-specific po"ing mix and fertiliser (lowphosphorous content for banksias), mulching, regular watering and an occasional cutback. KANGAROO PAW GARDENING ADVICE PRUNE and fertilise repeat-flowering roses to trigger an autumn display. CUT BACK hydrangeas that have finished flowering. CHECK azaleas for lace bug (rusty brown spots underneath leaves and silvery on top) and, if present, spray with insecticide – but check it’s bee-friendly. CONTROL the sap-sucking insects in vegie gardens by hanging DIY sticky traps made by layering petroleum jelly thickly on strips of bright yellow cardboard. DEEP WATER trees if it’s extra dry.
GARDEN"MATTERS better gardening [ T H E L AT E S T N E WS A N D T R E N D S ] ON SHOW GROWTH SPURT Small space? Go up! Standing 1.5m high, and with 20 planting areas, Mr Stacky’s Smart Farm Hydroponic Tower Garden is ideal for petite spots. In Stone, Terracotta or Black, and it comes with a solar-powered pump, $479, mrstacky.com.au. SHIPSHAPE Smothered in large, glowing mid-pink blooms with a beguiling myrrh perfume, ‘The Ancient Mariner’ English shrub rose from David Austin is set to sail into many gardens. Named for the epic poem, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, it grows up to 1.7m, is disease-resistant and is a repeat bloomer. Order now for delivery from April, davidaustinrosesaustralia.com. GOOD LOOKS Easy does it Beautiful low-maintenance gardens don’t need to be difficult to achieve. The Easy Gardening Handbook by Stephanie Jackson (New Holland Publishers, $35), shows just how simple it can be with good ideas by the barrel load, plus advice on growing 250 of the toughest, most resilient and drought-tolerant plants. Art of the matter Take a visual floral stroll via classical-to-edgy still-life art at Rearranged: Art of the Flower, at the Museum of Brisbane, in the iconic Brisbane City Hall, until August 11. In a space reminiscent of a quintessential Queenslander house, the exhibition presents the works of more than 20 emerging and established artists such as Margaret Olley, Vida Lahey, Sarah Rayner and Michael Zavros. Entry is free. For details, visit museumo!risbane.com.au. !" BHG FEBRUARY#$%$& Prices are approximate and a guide only. WHAT’S ON?
GARDEN+CALENDAR moon guide Use the phases of the moon to your advantage by following Milton Black’s planting guide How to use the calendar FEBRUARY 2024 SUN MON TUES WED THUR ! Moon in Libra $ % & !! ' !" !# ++!$ Moon enters Aries 11:25pm !( !) "& Moon enters Scorpio 6:36am Last Quarter Moon in Scorpio 9:17am ) !* New Moon 8:59am Moon enters Pisces 11:42pm !% !& "* "! "" "# "( Moon enters Libra 12:29am "$ Moon enters Virgo 11:37am Full Moon 10:30pm Moon enters Leo 11:40pm "' +!' First Quarter Moon 1:00am Moon enters Gemini 5:39am Moon enters Taurus 1:02am Moon enters Cancer 1:24pm "% ( SAT # Moon enters Aquarius 11:59pm Moon enters Capricorn 10:08pm Moon enters Sagittarius 4:27pm FRI " ") Moon enters Scorpio 1:09pm You must plant all ABOVE-ground crops during the moon’s WAXING cycle. You must plant all BELOW-ground crops during the moon’s WANING cycle. Times are in Australian Eastern Standard Time, AEST. This applies to NSW, the ACT, Qld, Vic and Tas. For SA and NT, deduct half an hour. For WA, deduct two hours. During Daylight Saving Time, add - hour. ZODIAC SIGNS Aries The !" signs of the zodiac are divided into four groups – fire, air, earth and water. Taurus Fire signs Aries and Sagittarius are in harmony with all fruit. Leo is in harmony with nuts and all seed-producing crops. Earth signs Capricorn and Taurus are in harmony with all root vegetables that produce crops below the ground, including garlic. Virgo is in harmony with all herbs. Cancer Air signs Libra, Aquarius and Gemini are in harmony with plants that produce flowers and perfumes. Water signs Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are in harmony with above-ground crops, including trees, shrubs, lawns, and leafy, juicy and fleshy vegetables. Gemini Leo Virgo Libra Scorpio Sagittarius Capricorn Aquarius Pisces Best days Second-best days Best days Second-best days On these days, thin out seed boxes, sow all types of seeds and plant seedlings that produce their crop above the ground. These include all varieties of peas, beans, corn, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprout, eggplant, lettuce, celery, silverbeet, spinach, endive, Chinese cabbage, tomato, cucumber, asparagus crowns, artichoke, marrow, pumpkin, capsicum, melon, zucchini, chicory, sprouts, rhubarb, all herbs (except garlic) and all agricultural crops, such as sunflower, grains, cereals, canola and cotton. During these days, you can also plant flowering shrubs, annuals, flowers (not bulbs), cactus, flax, tree ferns, passionfruit vines and kiwifruit. Plant all fruit trees and trees that produce edible nuts, such as almond, pecan, macadamia and walnut. Grapes and banana can also be planted during these times. Take cuttings from established trees and shrubs, and propagate. This is also a good time for planting trees and climbers and sowing new lawns. On these days, sow all seeds and plant seedlings of root vegetables that grow their crop below the ground, such as carrot, parsnip, radish, beetroot, onion, leek, swede, turnip, sweet potato, seed potato, yam, cassava, peanut, garlic and ginger. This is a good time to plant flowering bulbs, or bulbs for propagation and development rather than flowers. Also, plant bare-rooted trees, to develop root growth, and refurbish established lawns. A favourable time for transplanting all types of established trees, shrubs, ferns and bulbs. Weed and lightly feed. Water with seaweed-type products only. Destroy or spray weeds, pests and noxious growth. Burn off, cut lawns, do heavy pruning and clear rubbish – don’t plant or transplant anything. Prepare soil and fertilise garden beds for future planting; spread and make compost; feed all established plants, shrubs and lawns, then water in. This is the best time for dethatching or coring lawns. Do not plant or transplant anything, as the moon is adversely aspected with the sun. Any questions? Email milton@miltonblack.com.au. FEBRUARY#"$"% BHG &'
SEASONAL!STYLE SEA BREEZE LIVING Coastal style is undeniably appealing and instantly relaxing, so give your home that happy holiday feel – no ocean required! 1 CHANNEL CROSSING Give your deck or fence posts some love by tying up a shell wreath with smart nautical ribbon. Fancy making your own? String together white cockle shells (with pre-drilled holes) and a!ach them to a heart-shaped wire form as you go. Heart-shaped cockle shell wreath, 30 x 30cm, from $28.48, buythesea.co.uk. For white cockle shells with holes and a heart wreath form, search etsy.com/au.
2 LIVING OUTSIDE Make like you’re living in the Med by making over your outdoor-living space with a laid-back scheme of coastalinspired pa!erns and a mix of blue tones. Decorate your seating area with striped, plain and pa!erned outdoor cushions, a weatherproof rug and hurricane lanterns. If seeking respite from the a"ernoon sun, weighted curtains hung from simple rods will provide much-needed shade even as they billow gently in the breeze. FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG %&
3 TRICK THE EYE Give the illusion of extra space in small rooms by using a horizontal stripe wallpaper on a feature wall. Accessorise with sea-blue accessories and beach- or maritime-themed table lamps. You can even seek out a sailboat stencil to stencil your lampshade here and there. For a similar wallpaper effect, try peel-and-stick Light Blue Watercolor Stripes, large scale, pointdele"re13 Wallpaper by pointdele"re, from $217.80, spoonflower.com.
SEASONAL!STYLE 4 DREAM + DRIFT AWAY FO R!S I M I L AR!S E A! LI F E!AN D!MAR ITI M E! ART!P R I NTS!O N! BOO K!PAG E S "!VI S IT! ETSY#CO M/AU# Turn your bedroom into a tranquil retreat by dressing the bed with light, crisp covers and sheets in relaxing ocean blues and white. With windows dressed with plain sheers or le! bare, you are at liberty to go to town with pa"ern on the bed, but do mix the scale of your pa"erns, from large to small. Choose one showstopper design, then another two or three medium to small scale pa"erns to complement the bolder design. To make a similar pompom-edged bedcover, search etsy.com for grain sack fabric with navy stripes. Various pompom trims, spotlightstores.com. FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG %&
5 RINSE OFF Photography Future Publishing. Prices are approximate and a guide only. It’s perhaps not surprising that outdoor showers have surged in popularity the past few years, as Aussies seek to recreate the blissfully carefree feel of a beach holiday at home. Your outdoor shower can be a simple showerhead fixed to a sun-bleached timber post, alongside a whitewashed ladder to hang towels and washbags, and keep soaps.
SEASONAL!STYLE 6 LET’S RUN FOR IT Enjoy a leisurely lunch! Add a dash of coastal colour to your outdoor table with dainty blue and white flowers and striking striped runners that double as placemats, as here. Frayed edges lend the se!ing a casual touch. To make a similar runner, choose a fabric with an open weave (linen, hessian, burlap), then cut a strip to measure the width of the table plus 80cm for overhang. Fray both short ends of the runner by about 2.5cm. Sew 1cm-wide double hems on each long side. Then, at both ends, stitch a straight line across the width of the runner, slightly above the frayed edge to prevent further unravelling. FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG %&
R E S I ST!TH E!U RG E!TO!TR I M! R AF F IA!E N DS!EVE N LY"! I M P E R F EC TI O N S!G IVE! TH I S!P ROJ EC T!ITS! AUTH E NTI C!C HAR M " BUDGET FRIENDLY IDEAS UPON REFLECTION Mirror, mirror on the wall, which is the fairest of them all? Happily you have more than one to choose with these looking-glass transformations 1 for PROJECT SUPPLIES, see OUR stockists page
CRAFTY!PURSUIT 1 FIBRE ART This easy-make raffia mirror suits both a coastal or boho interior. For this project, you’ll need a 35cm diameter plywood mirror (25cm mirror inset). Use artist’s acrylic paint mixed with sealer (3:1) to paint mirror’s plywood border a colour to match your wall and let dry. Cut natural raffia paper ribbon into 30cm-long strips. Gather seven or eight strips and fold in half. Place the folded end under a 250mm ring to form a 2.5cm loop pointing toward the centre of the ring. Tie a lark’s head knot by passing the loose ends of raffia over the metal ring, then threading them through the loop before pulling the ends taut to secure the knot against the ring. Repeat with more raffia strips around the entire ring. For a hanger, use the hardware that came with the mirror or tie a loop of jute or wire to the ring, and tuck behind the raffia knots. Use E6000 adhesive to secure the ring to the mirror’s plywood border. Let glue set before hanging. P L AN!A! GALLE RY!WALL! O F!EC LEC TI C! P I EC E S "!WH I C H! I N C LU D E S!E A SY! AN D!AF FO R DAB LE! M I R RO R!HAC KS # 2 3 YE S "!YO U!CAN! TR AN S FO R M!A! P L AC E MAT! WITH!A!RO U N D! M I R RO R!TI LE # 2, 3 REFLECTIVE DISPLAY Mix DIY mirror projects with other wall accents for an arty collection. You can add a mirror to a handled serving tray or even a cutting board. Simply run a bead of Selleys Liquid Nails Mirror, Metal and Glass adhesive around the back edge of a round mirror tile and secure to the surface of your tray or board. Let adhesive set. Fix a sawtooth hanger to the back of the tray or board before hanging. To make a mirror frame from a sturdy woven placemat, snip the centre of the placemat and pull the fibre to unravel it until the opening is 2.5cm smaller in diameter than the mirror. Secure loose end with clear-drying adhesive. Run a bed of Liquid Nails Mirror, Metal and Glass adhesive around front edge of a mirror tile, centre, then secure the placemat on top. Let adhesive set. Thread wood beads onto string; secure or tie as a hanger to outer edge of placemat. FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG %&
HAVI N G!TRO U B LE! SQ U E E ZI N G!I N! S H E LVI N G?!O PT!FO R!A! B U I LT- I N #!PART!WALL / PART!D I S P L AY!U N IT! 1 GO RETRO! Your collectibles will look less like sca!ered clu!er if displayed en masse. Look for a bookcase with different size cubbies to accommodate the various shapes and heights of your pieces. Be brave – paint the backing material in hues of retro teal blue and orange.
ORGANISATION!TIPS Photography GAP Interiors/Veronica Rodriguez and Colin Poole Are you overwhelmed by an abundance of possessions? Take your cues from these clever ideas to showcase, store and find the ideal place for all your items! 2 DISPLAY AT PLAY Seek out unique ways to show-off your indoor plants. This timber slat storage solution will free up valuable floor space while offering a delightful visual display. Easy enough for a DIYer to emulate (even with a rounded shelf for heavier pots), mount it to your wall, then hook your plants to it. OR D E R + HAR MONY FEBRUARY"#$#% BHG &'
3 DRESS TO IMPRESS Alleviate entrance clu"er with a dedicated spot for coats, shoes, bags... Functional storage need not compromise your interior style. Stick to a colour scheme, paper or paint the unit’s wall to match the room, opt for contemporary hooks and load up on coordinating storage boxes. 4 6 COMPACT CACHE Stash your bathing and beauty products neatly in a smallish unit that won’t take up too much bench or cupboard space. 3-drawer bamboo storage unit, $12, kmart.com.au. !" BHG FEBRUARY#$"$% SHELVE IT When shopping for furniture, be on the lookout for incidental storage opportunities, however small. It all adds up. Coffee tables are one, floating shelves another. Storage with open sight lines enhances the sense of space within. Lack shelf in White, 190 x 26cm, $69, ikea.com.au. Similar table, Natural Nibesh Oak Wood 90cm coffee table, $299, templeandwebster.com.au. Photography Future Publishing Utilise the space under your stairs for a hallway cupboard and/or drawers to maintain a tidy, streamlined appearance and a clear pathway to the rooms beyond. TRIANGULAR MONTAGE Corral your pictures, prints and photos for max impact. Instead of the usual gallery grid arrangement, consider a triangular display of monochromatic pictures with black frames and wide white mounts. A clock, decorative plates or plaques can help keep the shape.
ORGANISATION!TIPS 8 STORE IN STYLE Your bedroom should feel like a serene sanctuary, but when it doubles as your home office, you may need to get a li"le creative with storage. A desk can masquerade as a dressing table with shelving above for pre"ies and desktop accessories. Rather than floating shelves, paper the interior of hexagonal boxes to suit your décor. Inexpensive and pleasing to the eye, lidded baskets at the end of the bed are perfect for out-of-season clothing and bedding. For similar boxes, visit amazon.com.au.
ORGANISATION!TIPS 9 WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY Missing vital space to organise your reading ma!er and fave possessions? Take a good look at your windows. They may be prime real estate for built-in shelving. Finish the shelving level with the architrave/s or carry it around and above the windows. Configure the base to include window seats with concealed storage below that spans the width of the wall. Paint the backboard a shade that highlights each and every piece.
11 DOLLAR-SMART FACELIFT Repurpose an old filing cabinet to boost your bathroom storage. Simply remove the drawers, pulls and label holders. Apply oil-based primer; let dry; sand; wipe clean; apply two coats of your desired paint colour with a sponge roller; let dry; replace hardware. Add suction hooks to rest a towel bar and bins inside drawers for small items. 10 SUITE OF DREAMS Plan a study-cum-guest room even if space is tight. Key to a workable solution is versatile furniture – sofa by day, bed by night with under-bed drawers for bedding and cushions to aid the transformation. Hemnes Day-bed frame (single) with 3 drawers in White, $499, ikea.com.au. For similar desk, American Trails Freestanding Ladder Desk with Drawer, Natural Maple/White, from $657.23, amazon.com.au. 12 Photography GAP Interiors/Tria Giovan/architect Stuart Disston/interior designer Chris Desmone/builder Koral Brothers, Future Publishing FEET UP Store cra! and bits ’n’ bobs out of sight in a lidded o"oman, part seat/part storage, then put your feet up and rest awhile. Oskarshamn footstool in Tibbleby Beige/ Grey, $119, ikea.com.au. 13 DUAL PURPOSE Creating a home office in an open area? Along with texture for interest and a calm colour scheme, put storage at the top of your shopping list. Overestimate your needs and make it a focal point for dinnerware, books and stationery with a glassdoor flatpack unit you can transform with paint. Brimnes combo in White, 160 x 35 x 190cm, $498, ikea.com.au. FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG %&
14 SCANDI COOL Maximise floor space with useful vertical storage with ingenious banque!e seating. Vibing a cool Scandi look? Note how the white cabinetry frames the blond timber laminate wall and inset uppers – both work well with colourful accents. Tiny bathroom? Try this lofty idea. Add a shelf above the door. Fix a bracket either side of the architraves and then secure a narrow shelf on top. 17 ORDERLY LIFE Be inspired by 25 professional home organisers’ tips for an orderly home. Organized Living by Shira Gill, $59.99, hache!e.com.au. !" BHG FEBRUARY#$%$" STEP UP YOUR STORAGE Remodelling? Take it as an opportunity to incorporate eye-catching stepped ‘shelving’ alongside your staircase for books, vessels, objects and/or planters. Below, you can create open or concealed storage, measuring the same height and width of the stair treads. HEY PRESTO, IT’S MAGIC! Now you see it, now you don’t! A pull-down hideaway bed is a saviour for cramped studio apartments or rooms that pull double duty as a bedroom/study/ cra" room. Off-the-shelf options offer multiple storage options as added extras you can configure to suit. Think overhead cubbies, wardrobes and bookcases. You may need to custom-colour it as most are neutral or wood finishes. Photography GAP Interiors/Douglas Gibb/Bureaux/Veronica Rodriguez, Future Publishing. Prices are approximate and a guide only. 15
ORGANISATION!TIPS 19 A STUDY IN CHIC Design a serene work space with blonde wood furniture and a dusky duckegg blue shade for walls, to bring out the depth and beauty of the natural wood grain. Equip your home office with coordinating magazine holders, mini drawers, stationery and storage boxes to help curb clu"er. And to boost your creativity? Surround yourself with vigne"es of exquisitely turned wood bowls and vases.
FURNITURE!REFURB
Add affordable character and charm to your space by fixing up a mid-century modern piece and giving it timeless appeal PAIR YOUR MID-CENTURY SIDEBOARD WITH AN ABSTRACT WORK OF ART. BUDGET FRIENDLY IDEAS ust off Nana’s old dresser or sideboard, or bag a bargain doer-upper, because retro is back, baby! With a few tricks of the trade, restore your piece over a long weekend and bring it back to life. Sell it for extra cash, or keep it as your forever piece! And, once restored, your golden oldie will be good for another lifetime. FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG %&
FURNITURE!REFURB EASY STEPS TO RESTORING A VINTAGE SIDEBOARD Gather your supplies • Krud Ku!er spray • Mineral spirits • Paint stripper • Wood filling cement • Danish oil • Alcohol marker pens • Dixie Belle gel stain in American Honey • Wipe-on poly • So" wax • Felt • Bronze acrylic mirrors (cut to size) • Magnetic LED light You’ll also need Screwdriver; scouring sponges; wire wool; WD40; card scraper; sponge applicator; painter’s tape; clamps; PVA glue; craft needle; lint-free cloths; 180- and 240-grit sandpaper; paintbrush; scissors; double-sided tape; with an electric sander. To prevent damage, sand only with 120-grit sandpaper and above. Use a block/mouse to ensure equal sanding on your flat surfaces, and always sand in the direction of the grain. • Never skip the cleaning and prep steps. There could be 60+ years of dirt in some corners, so take your time to remove. Sanding without this step will push dirt into the grain and make it harder to remove later. With sound preparation, a piece may often be refinished without the need for chemical stripping. • Take care using paint strippers. Fast-acting strippers produce the best results but are more toxic than water-based options. Always follow the directions. Take appropriate precautions to protect yourself and family. Here’s how STEP 1 Remove all doors, and drawers from furniture piece, then remove handles and hinges. Vacuum throughout (including base). STEP 2 STEP 3B STEP 4 STEP 3A candle Safety notes • When operating power tools, wear safety glasses, mask and earmuffs, and tie your hair back. When handling paint stripper and/or chemicals wear nitrile gloves and protective clothing. STEP 5 Project notes • Veneer is a thin sheet of hardwood laminated onto a substrate (this could be solid hardwood, plywood or chipboard). It makes up the majority of furniture from the 1920s and was used for its smooth, perfect finish. Old veneer can be wafer thin and easily sanded off STEP 14 !" BHG FEBRUARY#$%$& 1 OLD FASHIONED 1 Bring ’60s glam to your piece with mirrors and lighting detail, then shake up a classic cocktail for a nip of nostalgia.
Photography Alan Jensen; styling Vanessa Tidy; project Tiff Bancroft STEP 2 Working one panel at a time, spray Krud Ku!er onto piece, then scrub with scouring sponge. Scrape off debris with card scraper in direction of grain. Wipe down with damp cloth (not wet); rinse and repeat until cloth wipes clean. Allow to dry. Repeat with doors, drawers, handles and internal carcass until all dirt is removed. Scrub metal hardware with wire wool and WD40. Polish dry. STEP 3 Patch any holes with wood filling cement. Sand down and repeat step to cover any shrinkage. Reglue peeling veneer with PVA and cra# needle, apply pressure with tape or clamps. Allow to dry. STEP 4 Assess surfaces and apply paint stripper to any surfaces with flaking finish with paintbrush. Use scraper and cloth to remove debris. Lightly hand-sand everything with 180-grit paper, including insides of cupboards and drawers. STEP 5 Wipe down with mineral spirits to remove residue, condition the wood and visually note what the overall finish will look like once oiled. Use marker pens on filled areas to match tones or grain pa!erns around patch. Build up layers for best results. STEP 6 For contrasting detail, apply 2 coats gel stain to handles and legs with sponge applicator. Allow to dry a#er each coat. STEP 7 Saturate all exterior veneer surfaces with liberal coat of Danish oil and cloth. Once fully absorbed in, wipe away excess oil with cloth. Allow to dry for 6 hours. STEP 8 Apply a slurry coat 2 TEAKY BLINDER Enhance the beauty and depth of aged timber with Danish oil, and bring your high-quality furniture right back into the future! for a smooth and natural sheen to your finish. To apply, saturate scouring sponge with Danish oil and scrub in circular motion on top, sides, door and drawer fronts. Wipe away excess across the grain so as not to remove the ‘slurry’ from the grain. Allow to dry overnight. STEP 9 Denib surfaces with 2 passes of scouring sponge to smooth raised grain. STEP 10 With painter’s tape, mask carcass to create a sharp line on finished areas STEP 11 Pour wipe-on poly into a container, saturate a small square of cloth, then wring excess back into container. Apply 2 thin, even coats to carcass top, sides, carcass front, drawer fronts, doors, handles and legs. Denib before final coat. Remove tape. STEP 12 Wax drawers and inside carcasses with cloth. Rub a candle along drawer runners to improve slide. STEP 13 Rea!ach hardware, handles and doors. Measure and cut felt to fit drawer base, apply PVA to base with paintbrush, a!ach felt, then smooth flat. STEP 14 Apply doublesided tape to back of mirror panels; a!ach to base and back of drop-down bar. Install stick-on LED magnetic light to the underside of bar top. FOR SHOPPING DETAILS AND PROJECT SUPPLIES, SEE OUR STOCKISTS PAGE
HALL!MAKEOVER Build a smart hallway statement piece with easy assembly using materials that won’t blow the budget EASY STEPS TO YOUR BENCH SEAT Gather your supplies • 285 x 19mm 2.4m dressed pine • 42 x 30mm 2.4m dressed pine (2) • 42 x 19mm 2.4m dressed pine (2) • Pine wood filler • Metallic black acrylic paint • Water-based satin top coat You’ll also need Tape measure; combination square; pencil; circular saw; straight edge; clamps; mitre saw; PVA glue; drill; 8G countersink smart-bit; 50mm timber screws; level; 3mm drill bit; scraper; orbital sander; 120-grit sandpaper; cloth; nap roller and tray; painter’s tape; scissors; paintbrush Whether you need a spot to drop your bags while you unload the car, a handy seat to slip on your shoes, or a focal point for a plain entrance, a beaut bench seat is a staple for a busy, modern home. Add shimmer and glam with metallic details, and balance it with timber. Then, continue the look on your wall for a grand entrance and a warm welcome home. Top slats Leg Short brace Long brace Back Base Components Part Size (in mm) Seat 1150 x 285 x 19 Leg 450 x 285 x 19 Base 250 x 285 x 19 Back 450 x 250 x 19* Long brace 1150 x 42 x 30 Short brace 225 x 42 x 30 Top slat 323 x 42 x 19 Front slat 450 x 42 x 19 *Ripped from 285mm dressed pine !"" BHG FEBRUARY#$"$% Seat BENCH SEAT DIAGRAM Front slats Material Dressed pine Dressed pine Dressed pine Dressed pine Dressed pine Dressed pine Dressed pine Dressed pine Qty 1 1 1 1 2 4 5 5
straight-up style Extend your bench design elements to the wall. A!ach parallel timber lengths to a plain wall with PVA glue, level, and use a brad nailer to space timber lengths with 10mm gaps to match your bench. Then, mix metallic charcoal and timber finishes on the timber lengths for a cohesive look to tie in with your bench.
HALL!MAKEOVER Safety notes When operating power tools, wear safety glasses, mask and earmuffs, and tie your hair back. When appropriate, wear gloves and protective clothing. Here’s how STEP 1 Measure, mark and cut all components (see Components list on page 100) with tape measure, combination square and pencil. Cut 285mm dressed pine with circular saw, straight edge and clamps, and remaining components with mitre saw. STEP 2 On a flat surface, dry assemble a simple ladder frame with 2 Long braces and 4 Short braces (see Diagram page 100). Lay components with 30mm edge face down. Apply PVA glue to ends of all Short braces, then evenly space and a"ach to Long braces with bu" joints on both ends. To secure joints, predrill 2 holes through a Long brace and into a Short brace with countersink smart-bit. Insert 50mm screws and tighten. Repeat for all joints. Check square and level. STEP 3 Apply PVA glue along top edge of entire ladder frame. Lay Seat flush onto ladder frame top; clamp until set. Remove clamp, flip Seat and ladder frame. Predrill 6 equally spaced, countersunk holes along bo"om of both Long braces, and through centre of all braces. With a 3mm drill bit, drill into all holes, through braces and into Seat. Insert screws; tighten. MAKE YOUR BENCH DAZZLE WITH DECOART METALLICS BLACK ACRYLIC PAINT. !"# BHG FEBRUARY$#"#% $MAKE!YOUR!HALL!PIECE STAND!OUT!WITH!A!METALLIC PAINT!AND!TIMBER!COMBO! STEP 4 To a"ach Leg to Seat, apply PVA glue to end of Seat and frame, then predrill 4 equally spaced holes, 40mm from edge of Seat, through Leg and into ladder frame. Set aside. STEP 5 To construct the sla"ed box leg, dry assemble Back and Base into an L-shape. Apply PVA glue to one end of Base and a"ach flush to one end of Back component with a bu" joint. Predrill 3 equally spaced holes along joint, insert screws and tighten. Check square. STEP 6 With a Front slat and Top slat, assemble an L-shape. Secure with a bu" joint, PVA glue and 2 countersunk screws, 10mm from edge. Check square, then repeat for a total of 5 paired slats. STEP 7 To complete box leg, apply PVA glue along both ends of all paired slats, and a"ach paired slats onto the Base and Back. Position the pairs 10mm apart, with outer slats flush with Base edge. Predrill 2 equally spaced holes 10mm from back edge of all slats and into Back, insert screws and tighten. Repeat to join slats to Base. Check box leg is square and level. STEP 8 Fill all screw holes and joint lines with wood filler and scraper (allow for filler shrinkage), allow to dry. Sand all components (including edges) with orbital sander and 120-grit sandpaper till holes are flush and finish is smooth. Wipe with damp cloth. STEP 9 Before final assembly, apply 2 coats of water-based top coat to Seat, Leg and outer braces with nap roller. Allow to dry a#er each coat. STEP 10 Flip box leg Base, apply PVA glue to underside of Top slats, inner top edge of Back and inner top edge of all Front slats. A"ach Seat face down, in box leg, flush to edge. Clamp until dry. Predrill and screw through edge of all Front slats and into Seat, and 3 equally spaced screws on Back edge. STEP 11 Repeat Step 8 to fill and sand all remaining screw holes on box leg. Cut painter’s tape to 10mm strips, then mask Seat between gaps of all slats. Apply 2 coats of metallic black acrylic paint to box leg with paintbrush, allow to dry a#er each coat. Remove tape. FOR PROJECT SUPPLIES, SEE OUR STOCKISTS PAGE
? Gal entine’s Day gifts that will make your bestie smile 3 2 1 4 5 SCAN TO SHOP 6 Unique gifts are easy to find at 1. Finger Lime Gin, $150. 2. The Gift Label Amsterdam – Stay Fabulous Hand Soap, $29.95. 3. Silk Eye Sleep Mask, $47.95. 4. Wood Sage & Sea Salt – Luxury Candle from Country Style, $69.95. 5. Soul Sister Friendship Mug, $53.90. 6. Luna – The Free Spirit Sunglasses, $159
Cheat your way to a new-look kitchen, without the price tag, using thrifted finds and DIY wizardry SMART COOKIE! BUDGET!KITCHEN ADAM DOVILE Join me as I show you how to create great spaces on BHG TV, Fridays at 7pm on Channel 7. (Apologies, may be subject to change.) For more DIY go to bhg.com.au.
SEEN!ON!BHG!TV FRIDAYS 7.00 BEFORE BUDGET FRIENDLY IDEAS 1 From bleak bare bones to the heart of the home Period houses have intricate details like beautiful casement windows and beadboard ceilings. Use these as signature features and let revamped furniture and finishes shine and sit together with the old. Keep the paint scheme light so it all blends in seamlessly. FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG %#&
BUDGET!KITCHEN K eeping a vigilant eye out for quirky items to upcycle is a great way to upli" your kitchen without emptying the coffers – or increasing your carbon footprint. You can find great steals on both lightly-used and stalwart furniture pieces, and décor in op shops and garage sales – or perhaps snag a freebie on the footpath! If scouring dusty antique stores isn’t your idea of a fun time, the internet has become a virtual playground where you can hunt around for one-of-a-kind bargains and add real character to your interiors. Shop by design styles or periods that blend in with your space, and narrow down by price – starting at “under $50”, for instance – to stay on budget. With all your savings, you’ll be able to buy stylish, durable and highly practical vinyl floorboards, which are easy to install. In no time, you’ll have all the functions of a fully-fi$ed kitchen, but at a fraction of the price. EASY STEPS TO FIT A KITCHEN FROM UPCYCLED FURNITURE Curate your dream kitchen with a haul of odd vintage cabinets, off-the-shelf timber and slick carpentry tricks. Gather your supplies • 2400 x 89 x 19mm dressed pine • 2400 x 1200 x 12mm plywood pine • 2200 x 600 x 26mm pine panel • 65mm benchtop connectors STEP 2 2 STEP 3 You’ll also need Tape measure; mitre saw; drill; brad nailer; 8G countersink bit; 30mm screws; pencil; combination square; track saw; 80-grit sandpaper; PVA glue; whitewash; paintbrush; 35mm forstner bit; hand saw; chisel; router Safety notes Use appropriate safety gear and clothing when operating power tools, handling chemicals or when exposed to dust or vapours. Hair should be tied back at all times. STEP 5 2 light and bright Achieve a fresh and cohesive look with le"over paint and elbow grease! Before installation, scrub furniture throughout with degreaser and scouring sponge to remove grime, and key your furniture for painting. Wipe down with damp rag, then sand any flaking finish with sandpaper. To block stains and provide a hard-wearing finish, mix a whitewash with 1 part mineral spirits and 2 parts white oil-based paint. Apply 2 coats, allow to dry a"er each coat. Clean up old metal handles with wire wool and lubricating oil. Wipe dry, then apply Rub’n Buff in Antique Gold, available from spotlight.com.au. !"# BHG FEBRUARY$%"%& STEP 7 STEP 6 STEP 8
Project notes • Before you begin your build, measure your kitchen and draw a scale plan of your layout. Mark out items that have a fixed location (oven, door, fridge etc). • With the remaining space, choose furniture pieces to fit under a standard benchtop (900mm high and 600mm deep). • If your upcycled furniture is too short, determine what infill cabinetry is required for a snug fit. Fit infill boxes of same depth between furniture pieces and benchtop for useful storage and a uniform look. • To disguise furniture height discrepancies, trim legs, add timber box infills or shims as required. • Install all furniture flush to front edge of benchtop to keep your kitchen fi!ed and looking harmonious. Here’s how STEP 1 Measure furniture piece to determine infill requirements. Strengthen loose joints with predrilled and countersunk screws. STEP 2 Adjust height of furniture piece as required to accommodate Infill box. Predrill and screw furniture to adjoining piece with screws. STEP 3 To make a kickstrip, use a mitre saw to cut dressed pine to width of 3 furniture piece. A!ach with brad nailer. STEP 4 To build an Infill box, measure, mark and cut all components (see list below) with tape measure, combination square, pencil and track saw. Sand sawn edges with 80-grit paper. STEP 5 With the Base face up, apply PVA to back and both side edges. A!ach Sides flush to edge of Base. Predrill 3 equally spaced holes through both Sides Components for Infill box (to fit cabinet width 400mm, *adjust width for your cabinet ) PART Base Side Back Top strip SIZE (IN MM) 400* x 600 x 12 190 x 600 x 12 375* x 210 x 12 375* x 100 x 12 and into Base, insert screws and tighten. A!ach Back to Base with top edge flush with Sides, and 20mm overhang at bo!om edge. Predrill 3 equally spaced holes through Back and into Base, insert screws and tighten. Apply PVA to both ends of Top strip, a!ach to Sides, flush to front edge. Predrill 2 holes through both Sides and into Top strip, insert screws, tighten. Apply 2 coats whitewash to MATERIAL Plywood pine Plywood pine Plywood pine Plywood pine QTY 1 2 1 1 3 bed and breakfast Upcycle a pair of old bedside tables into complementary under-bench storage drawers! inside of Infill box, allow to dry a"er coats. STEP 6 Install Infill box on top with 30mm screws. A!ach from underside of furniture top and into Base. STEP 7 Use dressed pine cut-to-size as infills for gaps between furniture pieces. A!ach with brads. STEP 8 For benchtop, cut pine panels to suit with track saw, connect end-toend or in bu! joint with PVA and connectors. Bore holes with forstner bit, then cut straight section for screws with hand saw and chisel. Round edges with router and secure with screws from underside of cabinet. FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG %#&
BUDGET!KITCHEN EASY STEPS TO BUILD A CORNER CABINET If you need your benchtop to return in a right angle, a made-to-measure corner carcass helps you get out of a measurement dilemma and is a staple for a wraparound kitchen. Gather your supplies • 1800 x 595 x 16mm white melamine (3) • 42 x 19mm 2.4m dressed timber (4) • Curtain wire kit 2m (2) You’ll also need Tape measure; pencil; combination square; track saw; mitre saw; drill; PVA glue; 80-grit sandpaper; cloth; clamp; countersink drill bit; 30mm screws; level; fabric; wall fixings Here’s how Adjust measurements in Components list (below) to suit your kitchen. STEP 1 Measure, mark and cut all components (list below) with tape measure, combination square, pencil, track saw (melamine) and mitre saw (dressed timber). Sand sawn edges with sandpaper. Predrill 2 holes 10mm from both ends of all End caps with drill and countersink drill bit. STEP 2 To build a carcass frame, assemble rectangle with 2 Braces (B) and 2 End caps (B) with short edge facing up. Apply PVA to ends of both Braces and a!ach End cap with bu! joints, insert screws, tighten into Braces. Wipe excess PVA; repeat for opposite end. Check square and level. Repeat for a total of 2 rectangles. STEP 3 With End panel B face down, measure and mark assembly lines across width at 300mm and 800mm from top edge. Position a rectangle flush to End panel along marked line and clamp. Predrill 3 equally spaced holes through Brace and into End panel. Insert and tighten screws, remove clamp. Repeat for other rectangle. STEP 4 Repeat Steps 2-3 to assemble carcass A with A components. STEP 5 Position both carcasses together with End panels flush to adjacent walls. Apply PVA to carcass Components for cabinet 900 x 900 x 600mm PART 4 SIZE (IN MM) End panel A Brace A End cap A Shelf insert A End panel B Brace B End cap B Shelf insert B 875 x 595 x 16 565 x 42 x 19 900 x 42 x 19 900 x 595 x 16 875 x 595 x 16 565 x 42 x 19 300 x 42 x 19 300 x 595 x 16 A End cap and a!ach to carcass B Brace with a bu! joint. Clamp together. Predrill 3 equally spaced holes through carcass B Braces and into carcass A End caps to a!ach. Check level. STEP 6 To a!ach carcasses to wall, predrill through top corner timber components flush with wall. Drill 3 holes on both adjacent components and into wall. Insert appropriate fixings for your wall type. Check level. Place all Shelf inserts across timber rectangles. STEP 7 Predrill and install curtain kit eye screws to top ends and centre of cabinet opening. Cut and sew a 25mm hem on both ends of fabric to make a curtain, thread wire through top hem and a!ach a hook to both ends of wire. Hook wire into eye screws to complete. MATERIAL Melamine Dressed timber Dressed timber Melamine Melamine Dressed timber Dressed timber Melamine QTY 1 4 4 2 1 4 4 2 4 shed bounty Raid your shed for a spare fence paling or similar, then cut into shelves to fit your wall nook. Sand smooth with orbital sander and paint to match your whitewashed cabinetry with oil-based whitewash. A!ach a couple of white timber brackets to the wall with suitable fixings, level and drill, and complete your bargain shelves for under $30. !"# BHG FEBRUARY$%"%& STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 5
5 GET your GROOVE ON Save cash on plastering and install V-groove panels, fast. They hide flaws and add texture to your décor. To cut panels, score a line with straight edge and utility knife, then snap apart. A!ach to wall with gyprock adhesive and brad nailer. Fill gaps with caulk and paint panels white.
BUDGET!KITCHEN EASY STEPS TO YOUR PORTABLE BREAKFAST BAR Convert an old dresser into a practical, yet oh-so-pre"y furniture piece that easily folds and stows away. You’ll also need Old dresser; tape measure; pencil; combination square; circular saw; 4mm timber strip; nails; hammer; jigsaw; 120-grit sandpaper; drill; selection of drill bits; snips; towel hooks FIT THE FRONT LEGS OF YOUR REPURPOSED DRESSER WITH LOCKING CASTORS TO KEEP IT SECURE. 6 6 clutter control Turn a pre-loved period dresser into a kitchen island. Add castors so you can neatly tuck it under the bench when not in use. 7 legs eleven Salvage old table legs and use as a benchtop support. Predrill into centre of leg top and a"ach to a 70 x 70mm timber support with dowel screws. A"ach support to underside of benchtop, then glue and screw through support and into benchtop. !!" BHG FEBRUARY#$"$% 7 Here’s how STEP 1 To make a folding leaf, measure, mark and cut a Tasmanian oak panel to 450mm depth and the same length as top of dresser with tape measure, pencil, combination square and circular saw. With 4mm timber strip, bend a curve to line up ends with back corners of panel. Hold in place with nails, then trace the curve onto panel with pencil. Remove strip and nails, then cut along pencil line with jigsaw. Use one of the 2 offcuts for a folding bracket. Sand edges of leaf panel. STEP 2 Flip dresser and drill into centre and insert sockets on all legs. Set castor inserts aside. STEP 3 Trim piano hinge to length of dresser with snips, then line up on straight edge of leaf and mark screw holes. Predrill holes and a"ach piano hinge to leaf. Line up hinge to edge of dresser top (at back of dresser), and repeat method to a"ach leaf. A"ach bracket to centre of dresser back with piano hinge, so when extended, the leaf is flat. Prepare and paint your piece (see Light and Bright on page 106). To complete, a"ach towel hooks to side and insert castor inserts to sockets. STEP 1 STEP 3A STEP 3B Photography Alan Jensen; styling Vanessa Tidy; projects Karenza Jewell, Greg Sparke Gather your supplies • 1200 x 600 x 19mm Tasmanian oak panel • Brass piano hinge (2) • 40mm socket castor wheels (4)
8 stroke of genius! If your space lacks an a!ention-grabber, create one – at no cost. Find a free ‘public domain’ image, print it, resize it, then glue it to a square piece of board and hang. FOR SHOPPING DETAILS AND PROJECT SUPPLIES, SEE OUR STOCKISTS PAGE
OTTOMAN!UPCYCLE PULLING DOUBLE DUTY Use your favourite fabric and a little DIY nous to turn your old timber coffee table into a plush and flexible furniture piece with a vintage vibe – what’s old is new again! STEP 4 You’ll also need Small, old timber coffee table; degreaser spray; pen; cloth; 120-grit sandpaper; paintbrush; tape measure; combination square; pencil; circular saw; scissors; staple gun and staples; painter’s tape; ruler; hammer; drill; 40mm screws STEP 5 STEP 6 !!" BHG FEBRUARY#"$"% STEP 7 EASY STEPS TO UPCYCLE YOUR COFFEE TABLE Safety notes • When operating power tools, wear safety glasses, mask and earmuffs, and tie your hair back. • Spray-paint your table in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside. Here’s how STEP 1 Clean coffee table with degreaser and damp cloth. To provide a key for paint, lightly sand any shiny surfaces with 120-grit sandpaper. Shake chalkfinish spray paint can well, then spray coffee table with 2 even coats. Allow to dry a"er each coat. STEP 2 For a distressed look, use sandpaper to scuff corners and edges. Once you’re happy, apply a coat of water-based varnish with a paintbrush for extra protection. Allow to dry. STEP 3 Measure coffee table top, then cut MDF to same size with tape measure, combination square, pencil and circular saw. STEP 8 STEP 4 Lay fabric right side down, lay the wadding on top, then foam, then MDF as final layer. Wrap wadding around sides of foam to reach the back of MDF. Cut out corners of wadding then staple to back of MDF board. STEP 5 Ensure your fabric pa#ern is even. Working 50mm out from each corner, staple fabric to MDF board along one side. Repeat for opposite side, pulling fabric taut as you staple. Repeat for remaining 2 sides. STEP 6 For the corners, pull the fabric point and staple to MDF. Trim excess, then tuck in sides to neaten, complete with staples. STEP 7 Use painter’s tape, ruler and pen to draw a straight edge on sides of o#oman to mount decorative nails. Hammer equally spaced nails along the line, halfway into the o#oman, carefully tear tape around nails to remove, hammer nails all the way in. STEP 8 Flip coffee table and lay onto MDF base. Line up square, then predrill into all corners from underside of table and into MDF base. Insert screws and tighten with drill. Photography Sue Ferris; project Chris Cort STEP 1 Gather your supplies • MDF panel 1200 x 900 x 12mm • Chalk-finish spray paint • Water-based clear varnish • 60mm mediumdensity foam cut to size • Wadding cut to size • Upholstery fabric of your choice • Decorative upholstery nails
SEEN!ON!BHG!TV FRIDAYS 7.00 BUDGET FRIENDLY IDEAS FOR SHOPPING DETAILS AND PROJECT SUPPLIES, SEE OUR STOCKISTS PAGE Sitting pretty Put a wooden tray filled with flowers, a candle, books and decos on top of your customised o!oman so it doubles as a chic coffee or side table. This space-saving accent piece also works as a padded footrest or additional seating, creating an extra layer of comfort in your living room.
MAKE!IT THE MAGIC OF T I L E C R AF T Wow with tiles in a myriad of colours, patterns, sizes and finishes. Master your tiling skills with simple décor projects before tackling larger redos !!" BHG FEBRUARY#$%$"
1 T U R N I N G TA B L E S BUDGET FRIENDLY IDEAS Rescue a tired or dated coffee table from the scrap heap with feature tiles. If the tiles don’t fit your tabletop exactly, use border tiles to frame and fill out the gap between your feature tiles and the table edge. Instructions on page 118
4 M O SA I C M I R R O R Give a basic framed mirror a style boost with dry-set marble tiles and accent moulding. Remove mosaic tiles from mesh backing. Starting at the corners only, lay out tiles in a herringbone pa!ern. When happy with corner placements, position tiles along the sides to create a brick-like pa!ern. If there are any gaps, use a tile snip to cut tile to fit (wear eye protection). Remove one tile at a time, add a small bead of superglue, and secure to the frame. Continue until all pieces are a!ached. Using a mitre box and saw, cut four lengths of decorative moulding to size in order to trim the inner edges of your tiled frame. Similar tiles: Decor8 Tiles 305 x 325 x 10mm White Marble Herringbone Carrara Mosaic Tile, $25.80/sheet, bunnings.com.au. HAVE YOUR FURNITURE OR PROJECT MEASUREMENTS IN HAND WHEN SHOPPING FOR TILES. SELECT A TILE FORMAT AND SIZE THAT REQUIRES FEW CUTS TO FIT. GRIDDED MOSAICS OF 25 AND 12.5MM SQUARES ON MESH NETTING ARE A FLEXIBLE CHOICE FOR MANY PROJECTS AND CAN BE CUT TO SIZE WITH HEAVY-DUTY SCISSORS. 2 3 2 GRAPHIC PLANTERS Encaustic tiles make striking containers for indoor and outdoor plants. Use a mitre box and saw to cut 18 x 18mm square dressed pine to tile height. A!ach dowels to sides of two tiles with clear glue; clamp. Once set, glue and clamp remaining sides. Use a basic tile as a planter base to rest your pot plant on. To ensure water drainage does not become an issue, opt for an easy-to-remove plastic saucer under your pot. 3 BAC K IT U P W IT H P I C K E T S Update a versatile, well-made but tired bookcase with tiles, as here. First sand, prime, then paint it before applying picket tiles to the backing board. Lay the bookcase on a flat, protected surface and fit tiles, using tile spacers. As the tiles aren’t square, cut edge pieces with a tile saw. When happy with your design, move tile arrangement to side of your project. Spread a thin layer of tile adhesive on back of first shelf’s opening. Position tiles with spacers. Repeat for remaining openings. Let set as per manufacturer’s directions. Spread grout over the tiles with a tile float, removing excess and residue with a damp tile sponge. Similar tiles: Decor8 Tiles 250 x 313mm Picket Carrara Gloss Porcelain Mosaic Tile, $12.90/sheet, bunnings.com.au.
MAKE!IT 4 S I M U L ATE!A!M ITR E D! E F F EC T!AT!E AC H!CO R N E R! BY!P L ACI N G!TI LE S!I N!A! H E R R I N G BO N E!PAT TE R N " PENNY ROUND!TILES ARE!COST SAVVY AND!WON’T NEED! CUTTING!TO FIT!YOUR! BOOKCASE LOOK FOR A SHORT BOOKCASE FOR STABILITY. IF YOU USE A TALLER STYLE, SECURE IT TO THE WALL SO IT DOESN’T TIP OVER. FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG %%&
MAKE!IT T U R N I N G TA B L E S An online bargain coffee table could be the perfect candidate for a tile faceli# . Planning is key for this type of project. When shopping for tiles, map out all your design options on graph paper to determine the easiest fit. Cut scrap paper to the size of your selected tile and lay out your design allowing for grout between each tile. With your visual cue in place, determine any tile cuts and whether border tiles might be needed to fill gaps in the layout. Once all your materials are assembled, position the tiles (with spaces in between) as per your paper design on a protected work surface. Apply a thin layer of tile adhesive to the tabletop. Aiming for bu! joints at the corners, for ease, apply border tiles first with spacers. Then, adhere the larger centre tiles, adjusting spacing, as needed. Let tile adhesive set. Before grouting, protect the table’s wood surface with painter’s tape. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to apply and clean grout. Remove painter’s tape and let the table take centrestage. Olden Pink 200 x 200mm tiles, $127.10/sqm, groovetiles.com.au. Tile spacers, adhesive and grout, bunnings.com.au. 5 6 5 S C I N TI L L ATI N G C E N T R E P I E C E 6 AT YO U R S E RV I C E Transform a single tile or a portion of a mosaic sheet into a tray or trivet. Cut a thick, sturdy piece of plywood to fit tile/s size plus trim. Use Selleys Liquid Nails to a!ach tile/s to centre of plywood. Paint timber quad; let dry. Grout between tiles if using mosaic; let dry. Gluing it in place, use quad to frame tile/s with 45-degree mitred corners. Clamp until set. A!ach felt pads to bo!om to protect your tabletop. !!" BHG FEBRUARY#$%$& Prices are approximate and a guide only. This sweet tiled vase is perhaps the easiest DIY project ever. The trick is finding a glass cylinder vase (about 7.5cm tall by no more than 9cm dia.). Mark a vertical guide line from top to bo!om. Lay a mosaic sheet of either 10, 12.5 or 25mm square tiles (from tile stores) on a flat surface. Position vase at one edge of mosaic sheet ensuring it aligns with the guide line. Cut mosaic sheet to vase height or slightly taller. Roll sheet around vase, trim any excess at back join, then secure ends with painter’s tape temporarily. Working with one vertical end at a time, a!ach mosaic sheet to vase with clear adhesive; tape until set; repeat for other end of mosaic sheet. Clear Gorilla Glue, $12.95, bunnings.com.au.
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DESIGN!MATTERS better decorating [ T H E L AT E S T P R O D U C T S A N D H O M E I N T E R I O R T R E N D S ] Vanity fair This semi-circular three-tier organiser is invaluable for storing makeup and jewellery stylishly. For agile access, the drawers rotate 360 degrees. Umbra Moona storage box in White/Natural, 27 x 15 x 18cm, isalbi.com.au. DECK LUXE Keep itsy-bitsy clu"er at bay with these seagrass Amalfi Pali baskets in Natural/Black, 40 x 40 x 25cm and 30 x 30 x 20cm, set/2, isalbi.com.au. Plume palette Calling all creative buffs! Immerse yourself in the artisanal allure of this 3D art piece, impressively constructed from a myriad of paper feathers. It will elevate your interiors – hallway, bedroom or living room – with its ethereal charm. Society Home Paper Feather wall art, 60 x 60cm, isalbi.com.au. !"# BHG FEBRUARY$"#"% SHADE!ENVY! Dress your windows with the divine Tuiss V&A William Morris Pimpernel Teal S-fold curtain, from $187, and V&A William Morris Willow Jade Roman blind, from $125. Opt for motorised blinds as they offer effortless control with the Tuiss SmartView app, blindsonline.com.au. Prices are approximate and a guide only. STORE AND ORDER Combine the look and feel of natural timber with the strength and durability of aluminium with this easy-install decking, available in 14 finishes. It’s lowmaintenance, won’t rot or warp, and is termite-proof! DecoDeck 134mm in DecoWood Curly Birch, POA, deco.net.au.

BUDGET FRIENDLY IDEAS 1 HANG OUT Get into the swing of things with a hanging planter platform. Using a drill bit, make holes large enough to thread twine through, drill six equally spaced holes through a live-edge wood slice (try etsy.com/au for similar). Determine your hanging height, then double it and add about another 30cm. Cut three pieces of twine to this length. Thread twine through three of the drilled holes, leaving about 10cm below the slice; thread a wood bead onto the short end and knot. Thread other end of twine through opposite hole, add a bead and knot. Repeat with two remaining strands. Hang from an S hook, adjusting for height. Trim ends of twine. THRIFTY CHIC Express your creative genius with clever décor pieces you can make for next to nix for inside and out, then wait for the compliments to roll in!
IN!A!WEEKEND 2 CENTRE OF ATTENTION Light up your patio with stylish candleholders. Screw or glue together two square wood bases, one slightly smaller than the other. Removing the pointy ends, cut four wood garden stakes (from nurseries) to desired height – these lanterns are 30cm and 35cm high. Cut 8 stake pieces to fit between the 4 upright stakes, top and bo!om; glue together. Once set, drill, then screw vertical uprights to the base. Add a glass votive and candle. To make tealight holders, dip individual petals from disassembled artificial flowers into a plaster of Paris mix and arrange on waxed paper. PLASTER OF PARIS SETS QUICKLY BUT YOU’LL NEED TO GIVE IT PLENTY OF TIME TO CURE. USE A DISPOSABLE CONTAINER WHEN MIXING, AS THE PLASTER CAN CLOG YOUR DRAIN. FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG %"&
3 SHELL SENSATION 4 Seal your clay pots, inside and out, with a terracotta sealer before you paint and plant !"# BHG FEBRUARY$"%"# BRUSH A COAT OF ACRYLIC PAINT ON A TERRACOTTA POT. WHEN DRY, SAND FOR A RUSTIC LOOK. PLUG THE POT’S HOLE BEFORE POURING CANDLE WAX. 4 POTS OF PERFECTION Small terraco!a pots are terrific vessels for scented candles. If you wish, paint the pot first or leave it au naturel. Plug the drainage hole with Blu-Tack, then secure the tab of a pre-waxed co!on candle wick in place. Pour soy candle pellets into a double boiler. Melt, then remove from heat. When wax cools a li!le, add your fave essential oil and blend well. Pour melted wax into pot. Let set. Let candle cure for about 24 hours before lighting it. Candle supplies, spotlightstores.com. Prices are approximate and a guide only. 3 Show off your beach finds with a simple frame. Arrange shells in a desired shape, or a mandala-like effect, on a square wood tray or picture frame. Anchor your look with larger shells and fill in with smaller pieces. A series of circles with similar size shells in each layer works best. Using tweezers, li# each shell and glue in place with clear adhesive. Let the glue set before displaying. PS Remember not to collect shells with any living organisms. To supplement your beach finds, search online for strands of small shells as well as bags of mixed shells at pandahall.com or etsy.com/au. Anko photo frame in Oak Look 8 x 8in (photo), 10 x 10in (frame), $7, or Beachport photo frame in Oak Look 8 x 8in (photo), 16 x 16in (frame), $12, kmart.com.au.
IN!A!WEEKEND 5 BOXING OUT Create simple yet effective display cases to showcase your artwork, plants or both. For each case, cut a 184W x 19mm-thick x 2.4m-long dressed pine board into four pieces: two at 75cm and two at 45cm. Screw boards together with bu" joints to build a box. Stand upright, or place one box on top of another to create shelves. Pine dressed premium grade 184 x 19mm x 2.4m, $31.06 each, bunnings.com.au. SET UP A DISPLAY ON A HALL OR CONSOLE TABLE IN YOUR ENTRYWAY OR LIVING ROOM. STYLE WITH POTTED PLANTS, ARTWORK, EVEN BOOKS.
DIY!STORAGE When it’s time to get back to the classroom, the whole fam needs to get their act together. This stylish makeover will help you do just that! A s the new school year returns, so do the backpacks, uniforms, sports gear and piles of paperwork. Before your entrance and other rooms start looking like Category-4 hurricane zones, put in place a few kid- and décor-friendly organisation strategies – drop-off spots, convenient storage and functional command centres. But every day is different and so is every family. By creating simple solutions that suit your space and budget, you can take the challenge out of ge"ing the young ones in and out the front door. There’s still time before they hit the classroom, so start tackling this DIY project now to kick off the school year right. 1 out of sight, out of mind There’s a reason the entryway of your home is o#en called a “drop zone” – your kids likely drop everything right on the spot when they walk in the door. But you can easily hide the clu"er with a clever twin-compartment storage bench. JULIET LOVE Join me as I show you how to make over your interiors on BHG TV, Fridays at 7pm on Channel 7. (Apologies, may be subject to change.) 1 !"# BHG FEBRUARY$"%"& For more decorating go to bhg.com.au.
SEEN!ON!BHG!TV FRIDAYS 7.00 2 just hang in there! The more hooks, the merrier. Consider adding one hook for each member of the family. Use the area above as a pre!y display of your kids’ masterpieces, or turn it into a central organiser area with a calendar and reminder notes.
DIY!STORAGE EASY STEPS TO ENTRYWAY STORAGE Get organised for the new school year with an easy-to-build storage solution for your foyer. STEP 2 STEP 4 STEP 5 Gather your supplies • Kaboodle 600mm slimline cabinet (2) • Kaboodle slimline cabinet hinge pack • Kaboodle 600mm gloss white modern slimline door (2) • 2400 x 1200 x 12mm pine plywood • 42 x 11mm 5.4m primed pine moulding • 42 x 19mm 1.8m dressed pine • 89 x 19mm 1.8m dressed pine • 30 x 30mm 2.4m Scotia pine moulding • White water-based enamel paint • Black double robe hooks (4) • Leather handles (2) • 50mm castor wheels with brakes (4) You’ll also need Screwdrivers; hammer; drill; 10G countersink drill bit; 30mm screws; tape measure; combination square; pencil; track saw; mitre saw; 80-grit sandpaper and block; cloth; PVA glue; 20 and 30mm bullet nails; clamps; nail punch; wood filler; pu!y knife; primer; nap roller; drill bits; 12G 30mm hex screws Components PART STEP 6 !"# BHG FEBRUARY$"%"& Backboard Horizontal strip Vertical strip Back trim Top trim Scotia trim End panel Front panel Project notes • Install gas li" fixings on the top inside of the cabinets to prevent trapped fingers! • Simplify the job and get components cut to size when you buy your timber. Safety notes When operating power tools, wear safety glasses, mask, and earmuffs, and tie your hair back. When appropriate, wear rubber gloves and protective clothing. Here’s how STEP 1 Assemble 2 slimline cabinets with fixings provided in packaging. With cabinets side by side and short ends of cabinets flush together, predrill 4 holes (30mm from each inside corner), through one cabinet and into the adjoining cabinet. Insert 30mm screws and tighten. STEP 2 With double cabinet facing up, follow packaging instructions to a!ach hinges and gas li" openers to both cabinets (so both doors open from top). Assemble both doors and hinges, then a!ach to cabinet hinges. Set aside. STEP 3 Measure, mark and cut all components (see list below) with tape measure, combination square, pencil, SIZE (IN MM) 1200 x 1500 x 12 1200 x 42 x 11 1158 x 42 x 11 1200 x 42 x 19 1200 x 89 x 19 1200 x 30 x 30 300 x 360 x 12 1200 x 300 x 12 track saw and mitre saw. With 80-grit sandpaper and block, sand all sawn edges and around all corners, then sand front face of all pine plywood components. Wipe dust with damp cloth. Set aside End panels and Front panel. STEP 4 Lay Backboard flat and face up. Apply PVA along length of a Horizontal strip and a!ach flush to bo!om edge of Backboard. Clamp, then hammer 5 equally spaced nails through Horizontal strip and into Backboard. Repeat for second Horizontal strip, 300mm from bo!om edge. STEP 5 Repeat Step 4 to a!ach a Vertical strip flush to both sides of Backboard and bu!ed onto Horizontal strip. A!ach remaining 3 Vertical strips, equally spaced so all 5 strips have even spacing between. STEP 6 Apply PVA along length of Back trim, then a!ach flush to the top edge of the Backboard. Clamp, then hammer 5 equally spaced 30mm nails through Back trim and into Backboard. Apply PVA along edge of Top trim, reclamp, and a!ach with 8 equally spaced 30mm nails in a zigzag, to Back trim and Backboard. Unclamp. A!ach Scotia trim MATERIAL Pine plywood Primed pine Primed pine Dressed pine Dressed pine Scotia pine moulding Pine plywood Pine plywood QTY 1 2 5 1 1 1 2 1

DIY!STORAGE STEP 8 STEP 9 3 finishing touch Cut a piece of foam to fit over the bench and cover in a complementary upholstery. Now your li!le ones can comfortably sit as they take off or put on their shoes. to Top trim and Back trim with PVA glue and 5 nails. STEP 7 Punch nails then fill with wood filler and pu!y knife. Allow to dry, then sand smooth. With a nap roller, apply primer to all bare timber components (including panels), allow to dry. Apply 2 coats of water-based enamel to all components, allow to dry a"er each coat. STEP 8 Li" and assemble double cabinet flush with !"# BHG FEBRUARY$%#%& edge of Backboard and Horizontal strips. Predrill 4 holes in back panels of both cabinets, 30mm from all internal corners. Insert screws and tighten. STEP 9 Clamp End panel to side of double cabinet, then predrill 4 holes through cabinet and into panel. Insert screws and tighten. Repeat for opposite End panel and Front panel. STEP 10 Predrill and screw 4 robe hooks 50mm down from Back trim and centred between the Vertical strips. Use screws from packaging. Repeat to a!ach leather handles to centre of both doors, 10mm from edges. To a!ach castors to corners of cabinet, line up castor bracket flush to cabinet corner, predrill through all assembly holes (16 total), insert hex screws and tighten. Apply brakes to castors. Stand your hall organiser up to complete. STEP 10B FOR SHOPPING DETAILS AND PROJECT SUPPLIES, SEE OUR STOCKISTS PAGE Photography Sue Ferris; styling Vanessa Tidy; project Chris Cort STEP 10A
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MONEY!MATTERS better finance TO P T I P S TO H O L I DAY F O R L E S S A N D S AV V Y WAYS TO S E T S A I L ] Genius ways to save on travel From road trips and accommodation to insurance, here’s how to rein in your spending when you’re on holidays CONSIDER ANNUAL TRAVEL INSURANCE Planning on travelling more than once a year? Instead of buying travel insurance each time, consider purchasing annual coverage instead, it may end up cheaper. Generally, travel insurance is a must when you’re going overseas. Per smarttraveller.gov. au, “If you can’t afford insurance, you can’t afford to travel.” TRY ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION RENT A VAN FROM $1 A DAY We all know about Stayz and Considering forking out Airbnb, but increasingly the the big bucks to buy a prices (not to mention the campervan? Before you cleaning up) make them less commit, try this hack. You appealing. Why not consider can rent a camper, RV or staying above a pub in a car from just a dollar a day country town, where there’s if you’re willing to relocate friendly hospitality, and a the vehicle. Jump online great pub meal? Or consider to Imoova and see what is taking a look at the latest in currently available – it could hostels. YHA, for instance, be a short trip from Sydney offers rooms for families and to Canberra or something has hotel-like comforts and longer such as Adelaide to views. And if you become Brisbane, with fuel costs a member you can benefit thrown in. For an affordable from deeper discounts, $1 a day, the adventures visit yha.com.au. are endless, visit imoova.com. WORDS OF WISDOM Live life with no excuses, travel with no regret OSCAR WILDE SECRET CRUISE SAVING TIPS SURE-FIRE REPOSITIONING WAYS TO GET CRUISE If youAhave the time for a PAYRISE longer journey, consider a one-way repositioning cruise. Every spring and autumn, cruise lines move their ships around the world, so often you can get good deals on interesting itineraries out of or to Australia. DRINKS PACKAGE Pre-purchasing that pricey drinks package (which can include alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, coffee and tea) is not always a great idea. Simply count the number of days the ship is in port compared to the number of days the ship is at sea and average it out to work out if it’s worth it for you. SPA TREATMENTS This financial information is general in nature and does not take into consideration your personal circumstances. If you need advice, please seek out a licensed financial adviser. !"# BHG FEBRUARY$#%#& Dreaming of a spa treatment but put off by the price? Look for specials on port days, they often have halfprice deals. Book in for an early spa treatment before you go out and explore, or early evening after a long day. Photography Adobe Stock; words Andrea Black [
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Mask your way to better skin and reveal a revitalised, glowing new you BETTER!BEAUTY F ace masks were once considered an occasional treat, not anymore. Today, a DIY mask can play a pivotal role in how good your skin looks and feels, so it’s time to mask up! !"# BHG FEBRUARY$%&%#
WHAT’S YOUR TYPE? WHY USE A MASK? TOP TI U other nless sta P w ise, d ted a mas o bone k above y n’ t apply our o s . Thi rb s any p roducwill help s ital too c t g e!in top l os eyes, e or into y g up c a u s e w h i ch m a o u r i r r i t at y io n . Cleansing, daily sunscreen and moisturising are the most important steps to maintaining healthy skin, so what good are masks? For a start they can deliver an intensive burst of nourishment, help to manage skin concerns, such as dryness and breakouts, and they can give your skin a refreshing pick-me-up. On top of that, if used regularly they can continue to help improve the condition and appearance of your skin. 1 Cleanse your skin All masks do their best work, including LED devices, when applied to skin that’s free of makeup, daily grime, sunscreen and moisturisers. 2 Check the details Read the product directions to find out how long your mask should stay on for. If it’s left on for too long it may cause unnecessary irritation. KNOW WHAT YOU’RE USING High-priced masks aren’t necessarily high quality, and on the other end of the scale, cheap and cheerful masks can be loaded with ingredients such as fragrances and dyes. So, read the labels, and if you’re unsure, ask at a pharmacy or beauty counter, or go online and check out the reviews. 1 Clay masks From lush creams to high-tech LED devices, there’s a mask for every skin concern, type preference and budget. You may even find there’s a role for a few different types of masks in your skincare arsenal. BEFORE MASKING Hydration Mask, $30, BB Skin Bali Body. 2 3 4 Cream/gel masks These are easy to use and most skin concerns are covered. Depending on the formulation, a cream/gel mask can be nourishing, purifying, firming, cleansing, exfoliating, you name it! Choose one to suit your needs. Also, check the label for directions on how close to your eyes you can apply it and how long it should stay on for. 1 Skin Revival Plus Vegan Collagen Mask Set, $78, Minenssey. 2 Lip Perfecting Mask, $49, Aspect. 3 Expert Revitalise Hyaluronic Jelly Mask, $79, Skinstitut. 4 Vitamin 5 If breakouts are an issue, clay masks can help to reduce the frequency. Clay can absorb impurities and help give your skin a deeper cleanse, and in doing so help to keep your pores free of congestion and pesky blemishes. Apply the mask over your whole face if necessary, or just on problem areas. 5 Deep Cleanse Antioxidant Masque, $90, Mukti Organics. 6 Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask, $38, FRESH. 7 Oil Balancing Mask with Red Clay, $64, Arbonne. 8 Divine Ritual Clay Mask, $80, Purely Byron. 9 Clear Deep Detox Charcoal Mask, $15.95, Natio. 7 9 6 8
BETTER!BEAUTY 16 13 10 12 17 15 14 11 Leave-on masks Wearing a mask overnight means you'll get maximum benefits. Some are specifically designed to be left on, but hydrating masks can also be slept in. Just be sure to allow about 15 minutes for it to absorb into your skin before your face hits your pillow. 10 Beauty Sleep Power Peel, $134.95, Alpha-H. 11 Cherry Blossom Sleeping Mask, $64, Jelly Ko. 12 SOS Hydra Face Mask, $58, Clarins. 13 Hydroxy Overnight Mask, $55, ESK. Exfoliating masks Grainy scrubs are one way to remove surface dead skin, but these are better. Masks with chemical exfoliants, for example enzymes, skin-refining salicylic acid and AHAs, such as lactic and glycolic acid, are an effective way to achieve a clearer, brighter complexion. 14 Salicylic Acid 2% Masque, $21.90, The Ordinary. 15 2 in 1 Face Exfoliant + Mask, $69.99, Clémence Organics. 16 Fruit Enzyme Mask, $79, Aesthetics Rx. 17 Jojoba & Enzyme Radiance Mask, $39.95, The Jojoba Company. 19 18 20 Sheet masks For less mess and more convenience, these are the go. Once removed from the packaging, you simply place the sheet over clean skin and leave it for the recommended duration, then toss it when the time is up. Different masks are formulated to address particular concerns, either for the whole face or problem areas. 18 Pick-Me-Up Biodegradable Eye Masks, pack of 7, $39.99, Kenzina. 19 Hydra Balance Bio Cellulose Sheet Mask, $31, Biologi. 20 Facial Plumping Sheet Mask, $25, Wrinkles Schminkles. 21 Wrinkle Reset Smoothing Neck Patch, $14.90, Skin Control. LED masks These types of masks enable you to do pro-like skin treatments at home. They use highly effective FACE MASKS CAN HELP YOUR SKIN IN A VARIETY OF WAYS, SO THEY’RE COMPLEMENTARY TO YOUR DAILY SKINCARE REGIME 21 22 23 FOR SHOPPING DETAILS, SEE OUR STOCKISTS PAGE !"# BHG FEBRUARY$%&%' light wavelengths to address particular concerns and may help improve the skin’s overall appearance, tone and texture, and promote clarity. Keep in mind, you’ll need to use an LED mask several times a week for a few months before you’ll see any results. 22 TheraFace LED Mask, $899, TheraBody. 23 Advanced LED Light Therapy Facial Mask, $795, San Lueur.
TO Prices are approximate and a guide only. M A S K YO U R N E E D S Regardless of what type of mask you plan to use, the best outcome can only be achieved if the key ingredients at play are right for your skin type and specific needs. Here’s a brief run-down of common skin concerns and some of the best known beneficial ingredients to keep an eye out for... • Dry skin needs lots of hydration to plump it up, so look for hyaluronic acid, as it will help your skin retain water. Also, natural ingredients such as avocado and shea butter can help to soften and soothe dry skin. • Acne and breakouts often go hand-in-hand with clogged pores, and although a mask isn’t a long-term fix, they can help. Look for masks with salicylic acid, glycolic acid and natural ingredients such as papaya, which can help to remove dead skin and clear congestion. • Fine lines can be due to skin dehydration or sun damage, so a hydrating mask can help, but ingredients such as vitamin C, retinol and collagen can also help to boost collagen production and help firm your skin. P TIP Us and a e lukewarm to rem so" cloth o water o r a clay ve a mask. Asponges the ne mask, you m "er using e a cleansd to also do y feel a light e so yo u le" fe eling c r skin is and fr lean es h . • Oily skin produces an excess of oil, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Look for ingredients such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, clay and charcoal, which can be effective in decongesting pores and removing the excess oil. • Sensitive skin is easily irritated, so look for a mask that is soothing and restoring with ingredients such as ceramides, which help to restore the skin barrier, as well as hydrating aloe vera and nourishing shea butter. HOW! OFTEN? Even after a single use, a mask can begin to improve your skin’s condition and give it a lift, but to maximise the potential benefits, repeat the process every week.
BETTER!WELLBEING Put your Y our feet are the workhorses of your body, the unsung heroes. They’re your primary mode of transport, and bear your full weight while giving you stability and balance. But how o!en do you take a good look at them? The chances are, it’s not nearly o!en enough. For happy and healthy feet, don’t wait until there is a problem, big or small. Prevention is always the best course of action, so here’s how to step up and give your feet the care they need and deserve. Feet first News flash – the welfare of your feet is directly related to your ability to be self-sufficient and productive, for example walking, shopping, working and most daily activities all rely on your feet. And while they are pretty amazing and resilient, taking them for granted over time may affect your quality of life sooner or later. Regular foot care will benefit your feet both now and later Foot work There are 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 ligaments, tendons and muscles in each foot and they all work together to give you support, balance and mobility. Arching up The arches of your feet can be normal, flat or high. They play an important role in supporting your body weight and help to absorb the impact of your daily activities such as walking or running. If you develop poor arch health it can lead to a range of conditions and pain. Seeing a podiatrist can help you understand a potential problem and then work with you to restore the healthy functioning of your feet. It’s be!er to be proactive than reactive, so don’t ignore your feet. Whether it’s flaky dry skin, a painful spot on your foot, swollen joints or discoloured nails – get any issues checked by a podiatrist.
! PREVENTATIVE STEPS Consistent foot care will help to keep your feet looking and feeling their best. Follow this list to put your best foot forward. TO P T I P ANY!TI M E!YO U!HAVE! A!FOOT!PAI N!THAT! LI N G E R S "!O R!A!CUT! THAT!DO E S N ’ T!H E AL "! DO!YO U R!F E ET! AN D!YO U R S E LF!A! FAVO U R!AN D!S E E! YO U R!DOC TO R! O R!P O D IATR I ST# 1 Keep them clean and dry. Washing and drying feet daily, especially between your toes, helps to prevent infections, including fungal. Wear arch support. Regardless of whether you’re wearing thongs, flat shoes or heels, go for styles with built-in arch support. 2 Apply a moisturiser. Keeping feet soft and supple reduces the likelihood of skin dryness, cracking and discomfort. 6 Change your shoes. Shoes vary in their level of support, so try to avoid wearing the same shoes every day. 3 7 Trim your toenails. Maintaining the length of your toenails will prevent discomfort when wearing shoes and help keep them looking tidy. 4 Toss uncomfortable shoes. If your shoes hurt your feet, they’re not doing you or your feet any favours. Change the style or size. MAKING!THE!TIME!AND!EFFORT! TO!MAINTAIN!YOUR!FOOT! HEALTH!IMPROVES!YOUR! ABILITY!TO!BE!PHYSICALLY! ACTIVE"!WHICH!IN!TURN!CAN! LEAD!TO!A!DECREASED!RISK! OF!OTHER!HEALTH!ISSUES 5 Check them weekly. Examine your feet and toenails, and keep an eye out for nail infections or unusual marks. See a doctor or podiatrist if you spot any. 8 Maintain your weight. Being overweight puts additional pressure on your feet and can lead to foot pain and discomfort. WHAT I S A P O D I AT R I St ? Podiatrists are medical specialists who are trained to identify problems and concerns that affect the feet, toes, nails and ankles. They utilise treatments and unique tools to address conditions, including heal pain, bunions, warts, arch problems, ingrown toenails and corns. They also adhere to strict hygiene standards, which is important for healthy feet. WHAT I S A M E D I P E D I? Some podiatrists offer a service known as a ‘medi pedi’. This service includes the normal podiatry procedures which address concerns, plus additional luxury, feel-good services which can improve the look and feel of your feet and nails. FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG %&'
BETTER!WELLBEING What are they telling you? Your feet and toes can reveal telltale signs of underlying medical issues. Here are some common foot problems. If you have any concerns talk to your doctor or see a podiatrist. Foot odour occurs when bacteria, or fungi feed off the sweat feet produce, which can then cause an odour. Foot odour from fungi is commonly known as athlete’s foot. Swollen feet are common especially if you’ve been standing or walking a lot. However, if the swelling persists it could be an indication of a serious health concern, such as venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, or pregnancy complications. Burning feet syndrome is when your feet become uncomfortably hot and painful. There are many different conditions this can be caused by, including nerve damage. Cold feet and toes is when your feet are at a lower temperature than the rest of your body. It can be a sign of poor circulation. Numbness, tingling or pain can be due to nerve damage. If you have diabetes, your chances of this increases, so it’s very important you address any problems ASAP. Discoloured toenails have many causes from minor injury, poor-fitting shoes, nail fungus, right through to serious conditions such as skin cancer or melanoma. Sweaty feet can be hereditary or be caused by stress, physical activity, increased levels of toxicity in the body due to excessive alcohol intake, smoking and poor diet. Corns and calluses happen when the skin tries to protect itself from friction and pressure created by poor-fitting shoes. Bunions are a bulge on the outer side of the big toe joint. They can run in families and can be exacerbated by wearing tight shoes that increase pressure on the joints. Photography Getty Images, Adobe Stock; illustrations Carol Tang. Prices are approximate and a guide only. Heel pain or plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the tissue in the foot used during walking and movement. It can be caused by the foot structure, types and overuse of walking surfaces and/or the type of shoes you wear.
LONG"TOENAILS"CAN"CATCH" ON"THINGS"LIKE"SOCKS"OR" BEDDING#"AND"THEY’RE" ALSO"MORE"PRONE"TO" BREAKAGE$"ROUGH#" BROKEN"EDGES"CAN" HURT"YOUR"OTHER" TOES"AND"FOOT YO U ’ VE NAIL ED I T How o!en should you cut toenails? About every six to eight weeks. What should you use? The best tools are nail clippers or manicure scissors. To avoid infection, don’t share them and wash a!er each use. To finish, file nail edges smooth with a nail file. Playing footsies H OW D O YO U CUT TH E M? Massaging your feet with a nourishing foot cream is a feel-good treat you can easily give yourself daily. If you apply it just before bed, you’ll wake up with softer, happier feet. 1 Foot & Heel Balm, $13.99, DU’IT. 2 Cocoa Butter Foot Magic, $7.99, Palmer’s. 3 Hydro-Repairing Foot Care, $29.95, Mavala. 4 Foot Beauty Treatment Cream, $50, Clarins. 5 SA Renewing Foot Cream, $14.99, CeraVe. 6 Skin Relief Moisturising Foot Mask, $10, Aveeno. 7 Hocus Focus Cream, $35, Beauty Jar. Unlike fingernails, toenails should be cut straight across to prevent ingrown toenails, which can develop if a nail is cut back on the sides. Shorter is good, but not too short. 4 3 5 6 2 1 for SHOPPING DETAILS, see OUR stockists page 7 FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG %$%
HEALTH"MATTERS better health [ T H E L AT E S T N E WS , P R O D U C T S A N D T R E N D S ] HAND THEM OVER Tradies’ hands o"en take a serious beating on a daily basis. That’s where Aussie Man Hands comes in. The products are non-greasy, made with natural ingredients, and can help dry, cracked, rough hands recover. Hand Repair Cream For Tradies, $19.95, and Heavy Duty Hand Cleaner, $18.95, aussiemanhands.com. GOOD READS MUS C LE UP KEEP MOVING Sore muscles can be a bother. Fisiocrem Solugel, $18.95, is a topical gel for muscular aches and pains. Available from your local pharmacy, Coles, Woolworths and Chemist Warehouse. Always read the label and follow directions for use. !"# BHG FEBRUARY$#%#" Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Australia. During February, Heart Research Australia aims to raise awareness and promote heart health with their REDFEB campaign. For more details, go to heartresearch.com.au/redfeb. Or, to access helpful information and resources, visit heartresearch.com. au/heart-smart-club. NATURAL RELIEF Want to age well? In How Not To Age: The Scientific Approach to Ge!ing Healthier as You Get Older (Pan Macmillan, $39.99), physician and renowned nutritionist Dr Michael Greger outlines how to disrupt the pathways for ageing and the optimal anti-ageing diet. Itchy bites are no fun for anyone, so having a product that can help relieve itching, burning and inflammation caused by insect bites in your first-aid kit is a must. This balm is made with 100% natural ingredients, including cocoa bu!er, calendula-infused olive oil, beeswax, frankincense essential oil and vitamin E. Itchy Scratchy Bitey Balm, $13.95, available from oildit.com.au. Photography Getty Images. Prices are approximate and a guide only. HEARTFELT SLOW THE CLOCK
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SPONSORED!FEATURE VIBRANT VISION T hey say it takes a village to raise a child. And while 16-year-old Shiva has the tightest of bonds with his loving mum, Sothika, he’s also proof positive of the power and importance of wider community support. Heading into year 12 at his Brisbane high school, Shiva is mapping out his next few years, which will focus on graduation, then university. And while he hasn’t yet decided what field of study to pursue, he does know it wouldn’t be possible without The Smith Family. Shiva, who started school in Australia in year 2 a!er arriving as a refugee, has been continuously supported by the Australian charity since year 5, when a teacher first alerted mother and son to a scholarship that was available. In those early days, activities included working with a reading buddy to improve his English and literacy skills, while more recent focuses have included open days at universities as part of the Learning for Life program, which focuses on maintaining students’ engagement with their education. “The Smith Family does a lot more than just providing money,” Shiva explains of Learning for Life, which takes an evidence-based approach to support. !"" BHG FEBRUARY#$%$" More broadly, it helps to shape brighter futures for children from disadvantaged circumstances. This runs the gamut from strong practical support, such as providing internet data and digital devices to enable learning at home, to personalised guidance practical ma#ers such as how my laptop is going,” he says. While a study load of six subjects doesn’t allow much free time, the pair stay in touch across everything from how he’s feeling, to end-of-term results, communicating via phone calls, messaging and more. SHIVA WITH HIS LEARNING FOR LIFE COORDINATOR CASSANDRA. The Smith Family does more than just providing money about learning and career possibilities that may not have even been on the radar. Shiva notes his own Smith Family coordinator, Cassandra, has morphed from facilitator to mentor since she started last year. “She’s offered me a lot of support, such as checking to see if I need anything to help with my learning or “It’s incredibly helpful,” Shiva says. For Sothika, watching her son flourish academically brings full circle a journey that includes 25 years in refugee camps before she decided to reshape reality for her family of two. “I decided I needed to give a good life and a safe life to my son,” the single mother says. “In 2013, we FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE SMITH FAMILY, VISIT THESMITHFAMILY.COM.AU. came here. Shiva actually had his sixth birthday on the way to Australia.” While they knew no one on arrival, the pair found friends and family in their neighbours and community members, and in the incredible teachers Shiva has had at his primary and high schools. For Sothika, that sense of community absolutely extends to The Smith Family. “My priority is Shiva’s studies, and they are helping us with that, so I really appreciate it,” she explains. “I’m really happy for that, because they are supporting me too, in helping him on the way to university. “Shiva going to university has always been my priority.” In less than a year, it’s an ambition that will be a step closer to fruition, courtesy of Shiva’s incredible work ethic, the support of his wonderful mother, his teachers, and the backing of The Smith Family. It’s the ultimate success story and a tangible example of why donating to programs such as Learning for Life is so meaningful, especially at a time when cost-of-living pressures are biting hard. It’s $1.80 a day that can literally change someone’s life forever. Sponsor a child just like Shiva and read more inspiring stories at thesmithfamily.com.au/ media/stories. Photography Renae Droop; words Lisa Chant How philanthropic support is helping a talented teen (and his mum) plot a bright future
GUIDING LIGHT Learning for Life is just one of the programs through which The Smith Family supports children experiencing disadvantage by keeping them engaged in education. Practical in nature, it includes financial assistance with essentials like uniforms, books and excursions; a Learning for Life coordinator to connect students to opportunities; and access to out-of- school mentoring and educational programs. The program has a strong track record, over 60,000 children and young people are currently taking part in Learning for Life, but it relies on the support of generous Australians. Sponsorship is from $1.80 a day, with priceless rewards. Just ask Shiva, who will be the first of his family to go to uni, and knows the depth of demand: “There are a lot of underprivileged kids who could do with help; they definitely need it. I would encourage anyone who can help them in any way possible to consider it.”
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SUMMER!FUN HOLIDAY GAME"ON!"TEST"YOUR"BRAINPOWER"WITH" CROSSWORDS#"WORD"SEARCHES#"SUDOKU"AND"MORE BESPOKE All you have to do is write the listed pairs of le!ers into the circles so that each diagonal line running through the grid’s centre produces a six-le!er word. The key is to work out which of the pairs of le!ers should be placed in the central circle in order to make six words. AN CA CO ES HO ID IL NC OU PE PO RA UR Solutions from page 160 FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG %$&
SUMMER!FUN SPORTS!LEGENDS!WORD!SEARCH Look for the names of these Australian sport stars, all of whom have been elevated to the status of Legend in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. One of the names on the list cannot be found in the grid. Can you work out which one? BART CUMMINGS BETTY CUTHBERT BILL ROYCROFT BOB SKILTON CATHY FREEMAN DAWN FRASER DENNIS LILLEE DON BRADMAN DUNC GRAY EDWIN FLACK EVONNE CAWLEY GREG NORMAN HEATHER MCKAY HERB ELLIOTT IAN THORPE JACK BRABHAM JOCK STURROCK JOHN BERTRAND JOHN EALES JOHN LANDY JOHN NEWCOMBE JOHN RAPER KEITH MILLER KEN ROSEWALL LEIGH MATTHEWS LOUISE SAUVAGE MARGARET COURT MURRAY ROSE PETER THOMSON RAELENE BOYLE REG GASNIER RICHIE BENAUD ROD LAVER RON BARASSI RON CLARKE SHANE GOULD SHANE WARNE SUSIE O’NEILL TED WHITTEN VIC PATRICK WALLY LEWIS WALTER LINDRUM J W O R I J B O B S K I L T O N X O W E R R S J J N A A B I U B E T T Y C U T H B E R T X M O E K E O L C L Q C Z W F U J F E N R A W E N A H S N L E H C Y K L E H I X A E B M O C W E N N H O J I C L D J K A B Y J I V L J L P H E R B E L L I O T T L I N C S K R L H E E E I O T K C C C L P J F J I I A M A A T C A E E B G I M K H E L F I Y L R B D L I R H R T U I B W A E A G G E T N R L F O O B O S U B K T T H R R H I T N V H T N R S E L I B Y R I H K M E I R Y R T A S H A U M E R U G M A I E F N L D T M J E E F O A M M E U A A D O O N P J L N N Y D L S N W K B R C P R U R D S T W S C I M D E E D O H A I L A C N E K C E R M O E T H E T M Y L D L S R E Y W B Y I H E H I G R C N S H I W E M D U W E A R U I G N P B O M T V G A K B I E T A R U N O I A V O K M S K F D J A Q U A Y A R U W T L A C A G N R Q D Y J F U Z R Y N F R S R Y A O S E L G T L E F Y B L D J I M S T A W V P N O S D L C N R R R N N L Z D A R O N B A R A S S I I S O M Z I A F A A H A A S E V O N N E C A W L E Y E E A A G Y K W M B O H C G R E G N O R M A N X R R R C I N X S A F O B J S K H N R Z R E P A R N H O J
JIGSAW S H H R E J E L O S T P E E We’ve taken a symmetrical puzzle and cut it into 45 pieces. Your task is to put the puzzle back together. One of the pieces has already been placed in the grid to help start you off. T A O I N M T D R E A R I S R O T U N A I M G D S R C F L A A V E R F E S B H M Q U A VO S E U T N N C U R I U Y W F L S S E I T E N F E S R D E B M R O T R L M S O R T E U L B E S T U R C O N C U M E E A N A C T N N E L E I F T L I F C M I S S T H O S L E S N O W S H E R E S U M H L O U S U B A N U T A I P R U M A T S A L H E U E R E S E T O U R N U C R A T E P G M I G E U L I R V E R N C S A K E T B C O F A W R A S U N I L N A M P A W A Y T U L I S E H O H R E T P C M E R S I E C L A A T R U Y P O S C H Solutions from page 160 FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG %$&
SUMMER!FUN Five customers have ordered five different cakes for five special occasions. Use the clues below to work out which cake has which kind of topping, and for which occasion it’s been ordered. 1 Someone ordered a red 2 3 4 5 6 velvet cake to mark retirement. The chocolate cake has Smarties. The banana birthday cake is topped with cherries. The sponge cake does not have flowers or raspberries. The anniversary cake was neither sponge nor chocolate, and it does not have flowers. The sponge cake was not ordered for a wedding. !"# BHG FEBRUARY$%#%& Smarties Raspberries Flowers Marshmallows Cherries Wedding Retirement Just because Birthday Topping Banana Cake Chocolate Pound Red velvet Sponge Topping How to solve Simply read through the list of clues and use the larger grid to record any information. You should place a tick in a box if you have any positive information and use a cross if you have any definite negative information. For example, in Clue 3 you learn that the birthday cake is topped with cherries, so we have placed some logical ticks and crosses in the grid to help you along. Using this method you should be able to eventually fill in the smaller grid. Anniversary LOGIC!PUZZLE Occasion Cherries ✗ ✓ ✗ Flowers ✗ Marshmallows ✗ Raspberries ✗ Smarties ✗ Cake Topping Banana Chocolate Pound Red velvet Sponge ✗ ✗ DEFINITIONS" Occasion We’ve created three potential definitions for an uncommon word. Your job is to pick the correct one! WORD: Xerophagy DEFINITION A: Dry photocopying technique B: Desire to eat wood C: Ancient strict form of fasting
DOUBLE!TROUBLE There are no clues to this crossword. All you have to do is fit the words listed below across the two grids. WORD LIST 3 LETTERS ANT ATE BEG GAS LOT MAP ODE ONE PIE RED RUB SUN 4 LETTERS BEAN CALF FAME HARP LACE SHIP SHOW STAY STEP THIN TRAY WINE Solutions from page 160 DID YOU KNOW? From 1953 to 1957, The Today Show, on the American network NBC, had a chimpanzee named J. Fred Muggs as co-host. For his first appearance on the show, he was dressed in nappies like a baby. 5 LETTERS AGAIN AGENT CHASE NAMED TABLE TOQUE 6 LETTERS ATTACH BETTER CHARTS ECLAIR GROOVY LAPDOG POCKET TINSEL 7 LETTERS ADVISER KNIGHTS 9 LETTERS ADMIRABLE AFTERNOON AUTOGRAPH REGARDING 11 LETTERS MASQUERADES Gather your fam and see who can solve the cake-based logic puzzle first. Winner gets a slice of Cinnamon apple cake (recipe on page 37)!
SUMMER!FUN SUDOKU Here’s a selection of sudoku puzzles to test your powers of logic. 1 2 1 9 4 5 9 4 6 9 8 7 6 7 6 7 5 4 8 5 8 5 1 3 6 3 6 7 4 5 7 1 8 4 3 6 2 4 1 9 3 1 2 9 3 1 8 9 6 9 4 7 4 6 8 5 1 5 2 7 6 5 8 2 7 9 5 8 7 9 3 5 5 2 3 8 9 6 7 9 2 3 7 2 7 8 6 5 8 6 5 4 2 7 8 6 3 9 4 6 5 9 8 6 1 8 5 3 4 3 6 3 4 4 8 1 6 3 4 5 2 6 5 8 7 8 1 1 4 6 6 4 2 5 9 8 7 4 1 2 8 5 1 1 3 8 1 8 2 9 2 8 3 4 7 1 9 Solutions from page 160 7 7 9 6 DID YOU KNOW? American chemist and food storage scientist, Fred Baur (1918-2008), patented the tubular container of Pringles potato chips. A!er his death, his children honoured his request to be buried in a Pringles can by pu"ing part of his cremated remains in a Pringles container in his grave. #$% BHG FEBRUARY&%'%(
ARROW!WORD HISTORY!TEST!" To solve this puzzle, write your answers in the direction of the arrows. There are two words filled in to get you started. Here’s a puzzle for all you history buffs out there. We’ve listed six historical events and your job is to place them in correct chronological order, from oldest to most recent. A Blue jeans patented by Levi Strauss B Execution of Atahualpa, the last king of the Incas C Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit invents the Fruit stone Engine Mamma ---, ABBA song it Steeple Let stand London airport Gigantic, colossal mercury-in-glass thermometer D The Dutch ship Batavia is wrecked on a reef near Beacon Island, off the coast of WA E Henry Dunant, co-founder of the Red Cross, wins the first Nobel Peace Prize F Napoleon crowns himself emperor of the French Wages S P Impair Kind of fabric O I L For ---, for a long time Water jet Duo Faucet Your (archaic) City in Easily England angered (3-6) Broad Fight of honour Nuisance Cut of meat Lord ---, NSW island Bear constellation Reddish brown SUDOKU ! E B % " A # $ F G % & # ! 9 To solve this Super Sudoku, use the numbers 1-9 and the le!ers A-G. F A # E ' F G % F B E A " $ ( ) % ' B ! F G ( G ) B D A C ' & C F ' B A ! ! ( " ' $ % ) " G ' & E F D E " # G C Region, zone Was defeated More certain Puzzles, problems Smallest amount Milky coffee E D ) Vend Sorrowfully F $ Soothe, lull Artist's studio --- and outs, details & ' " ) US TV award F G C E O A Union of Conferred companies a title on # ! Closed T Pod vegie ' B C # $ D A F ' B Prophet D # & ( ) & " Jot or ti"le I Dutch capital " A # $ ! Fragment Inflating of wood tool B A " % Jewelled Moss or Reid band Not at home Short stiff hairs Meadow Assistant C ! F ( Back Sam ---, Matildas captain Distress signals Dutch cheese
SUMMER!FUN A!TO!Z Each answer in this puzzle begins ith its corresponding le#er of the alphabet. First solve the clues, then fit the answers in the grid! We’ve placed one answer to start. P L U M B E R ALPHABEATER Here’s a puzzle with a twist! We’ve filled in all the consonants in the grid and it’s your job to slot in the vowels to make words. DID YOU KNOW? On April Fools’ Day in 1957, the BBC program Panorama showed a Swiss family with a bumper spaghe!i crop. It ran footage of the Swiss family “harvesting” strands of spaghe!i from trees and drying them in the sun. Many viewers were taken in, calling the BBC wanting to know how they could grow their own spaghe!i tree. S S Z W R S B V R P L G H S C L S D S C L M S K S M C X R L R Y R D T G R N Sewing CLUES A Bar or sha! on which a wheel turns (4) B Platform projecting from the wall of a building (7) C Small citrus fruit (7) D Made a hole, bored (7) E Downy duck (5) F Muslim or Hindu religious ascetic (5) G Taking place slowly or by degrees (7) H Weightier (7) I Lazy (4) J In good spirits, cheerful (5) K Spoilsport (7) L South American animal (5) M Methylated spirits, in slang (5) requisite (6) O State of ---, annual P Q R S T U V W X Y Z rugby league match (6) Occupation of video game character Mario (7) Padded bed covering (5) Competitor (5) --- potato, root vegetable (5) Doomed luxury liner (7) Up to (such a time) (5) Meeting place (5) Unit of electrical power (4) Francis ---, Catholic saint (6) System of meditation and exercise (4) Highest point (6) V S T L Y R N D D G N P L G N B T H L T N S L D M G H R N X T
TAKE!SIX Each of the clues below has a six-le!er solution. Write your solutions in the spaces around the appropriate clue numbers. The even-numbered clues must be wri!en in a clockwise fashion and the highlighted, odd-numbered clues must be wri!en in an anticlockwise manner. Where the hexagons touch, the le!ers in the adjoining triangles will be the same. We’ve given you two words to get started. When the puzzle is complete, the le!ers in the inner shaded hexagon will spell the mystery word. CLUES 1 Skilfully, dexterously 2 Vocalist 3 A!ractive 4 Sca!ered piece of rubbish or wreckage 5 Day a"er Thursday 6 Italian fashion house 7 Longitude 8 Tasmania, in slang 9 Large melon-like fruit 10 Most recent 11 Infant’s cot on rockers 12 Avaricious 13 Walk stealthily, with the heels raised 14 Make wealthy 15 Company of performers 16 --- Christie, English crime author 17 Humorous, jesting 18 Unbroken mustang 19 --- Cash, US country star 20 Noisy disturbance, outcry 21 Bring into subjection 22 Island country formerly called Formosa 23 Casino ---, James Bond book and film D 2 E E 1 F L T T 3 F 4 7 Y 6 5 9 8 11 12 13 15 14 19 21 25 29 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 26 28 Decimal currency unit Strain, purify Abduct a pet Sale to consumers, as distinct from wholesale Place a"er third On fire, ablaze Neapolitans’ Italian city Movies, in slang Hansel’s sister, in a fairytale Unlucky accident Case for a dagger or sword --- Jean’s coffee chain Aromatic bulb used in seasoning 32 34 23 22 24 27 17 16 18 20 10 33 R A A G R 36 C 30 L L 35 I Solutions from page 160 FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG %&&
SUMMER!FUN CHUNKY!CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Emergency (6) 4 Shade of brown of old photographs (5) 8 Fa!y part of milk (5) 11 Make or become smaller (6) 13 String instrument (5) 14 Business emblem (4) 16 Bread mass (4) 18 Ladder steps (5) 19 Private instructor (5) 20 Australian acacia (6) 21 Mud, bog (4) 22 Donkey’s heehaw (4) 23 First mentioned of two (6) 27 Lebanese capital (6) 30 Train track (4) 32 Failure (4) 34 Higher political house (6) 37 Icy layer (5) 39 Garret (4) 40 Ooze (4) 41 Spooky, mysterious (5) 42 Long-distance walker (5) 43 Group of notes (5) 44 Smallest piglet of a li!er (4) 45 Air-duct opening (4) 46 Of the nose (5) 52 Sufficient (6) 55 Inexpensive (5) 57 Protective kitchen garment (5) 58 North African desert (6) 60 Wars of the ---, civil war in England from 1455 to 1487 (5) 61 Plum ---, boiled pudding (4) 64 Stringed toy (4) 65 Wash out soap suds (5) 66 Largest Greek island (5) 67 Fail to hit (4) 68 WA city and seaport (9) 70 Sketched (4) 73 Feathers (6) 75 Denim pants (5) 77 Scale, mount (5) 79 Insect antenna (6) 80 Major artery (5) 83 Water vegetation (5) 87 Retitle (6) 88 Daily record (5) !"# BHG FEBRUARY$%&%' 89 --- corporal, military rank (5) 90 Desk receptacle (6) 92 Let fall (4) 95 Believable (9) 99 Bivalve mollusc (4) 101 Spry (5) 102 Garden pest (5) 103 Head honcho (4) 105 Prayer ending (4) 106 Steak ---, meat dish (5) 107 Hypnotised state (6) 108 Banish (5) 110 Of the countryside (5) 112 Sew (6) 113 Permit (5) 116 Truce (4) 118 Mardi ---, carnival (4) 120 Fortunate (5) 123 Contend, debate (5) 126 Pith helmet (5) 129 Baking chamber (4) 130 Ballerina’s skirt (4) 131 On two occasions (5) 132 Sign of the Bull (6) 134 Heap (4) 135 Portent (4) 136 Go to sleep (3,3) 140 Kind of hound (6) 143 Receptacle for liquid or gas (4) 144 Metallic element (4) 146 Leave (6) 148 --- Saxon, Old English (5) 151 Escort in (5) 153 Amount owing (4) 154 Compassion (4) 155 From then on (5) 156 Concealed (6) 157 Run off to marry (5) 158 Si$ (5) 159 Metallic element, symbol Ag (6) DOWN 2 Yell (5) 3 Points tally (5) 4 Anon (4) 5 Light refractor (5) 6 Bird house (6) 7 Burden (4) 8 Yellow songbird (6) 9 Vacant, hollow (5) 10 Thaw (4) 11 Neck warmer (5) 12 Stationery item for drawing straight lines (5) 15 Make a speech (5) 17 Skilled (5) 24 Earlier (5) 25 Laziness (5) 26 --- and span, neat and clean (5) 27 Ointment (4) 28 Proportion (5) 29 A!empted (5) 31 Dip into liquid (7) 33 Igniter (7) 34 Clipped of wool (5) 35 Birds’ homes (5) 36 Glimpse (4) 37 Fronded plant (4) 38 Domesticated (4) 47 Not very o$en (6) 48 Way of pronunciation (6) 49 Be quiet (4) 50 Sharp cutlery items (6) 51 Conditional release (6) 53 Unjustly (8) 54 Inheritors (5) 56 Verify (5) 57 Thing of value (5) 58 Rescued (5) 59 Allergic infection (3,5) 62 Overcome (6) 63 Picturesque (6) 69 At a distance (4) 71 Group of four (7) 72 The more the ---, saying (7) 74 Find the answer to a problem (5) 75 Jested (5) 76 Asian peanut sauce (5) 77 Bactrian or dromedary (5) 78 Lever that stops a car (5) 79 Cooked in oil (5) 81 --- Ford, Indiana Jones actor (8) 82 Occur (6) 84 Vacancies (4) 85 Put money into with the hope of a return (6) 86 Squid prepared as food (8) 91 93 94 96 97 98 99 100 104 109 111 114 115 117 119 120 121 122 124 125 127 128 133 137 138 139 141 142 143 145 146 147 149 150 152 Regular practices (6) Glue (5) Word used with or (6) Dwelling (5) Purchaser (5) Part by which something is held (6) Group of school children (5) Mexican cloak (6) Cooking fat (4) Endanger (7) Speaking platform (7) Of the moon (5) Hospital rooms (5) Young male horse (4) Gardening tool (4) Yellow citrus fruit (5) Quoted (5) Entertainer of guests (4) Pictorial chart (5) Legal excuse (5) Practical joke (5) Sleeve end (4) Astound (5) Foremost (5) Injudicious, ill-considered (6) Dried plums (6) Located (5) Claw (5) Japan’s capital (5) Tend the sick (5) Percussion instruments (5) Opening in the iris of the eye (5) Donated (4) List of dishes (4) Animal skin, pelt (4) Solutions from page 160
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 24 27 28 29 17 30 23 25 26 31 32 37 33 34 35 36 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 47 45 48 52 53 54 46 49 55 50 56 57 51 58 59 60 61 62 63 65 64 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 87 83 84 85 88 91 92 93 94 86 89 95 96 90 97 98 101 99 100 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 113 114 122 115 123 109 116 110 117 124 118 111 112 119 120 125 126 121 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 138 140 141 142 148 144 145 150 151 146 147 152 153 154 155 156 137 139 143 149 136 157 158 159
SUMMER!FUN DID YOU KNOW? Pig Beach is located on an uninhabited island in the Bahamas. Its name comes from the fact that it’s populated only by swimming feral pigs. HISTORY!TEST!" Here’s another puzzle for all you history buffs out there. We’ve listed six historical events and your job is to place them in correct chronological order, from oldest to most recent. A Booker Prize first awarded B MTV launched: first music video aired is Video Killed the Radio Star by The Buggles FAMOUS! FILL!IN Fill in the grid with the names of these historical figures who were all born in February. 4 LETTERS ANNE HUGO 5 LETTERS JOYCE MARY I VERNE 6 LETTERS DARWIN EDISON HANDEL REAGAN RENOIR 7 LETTERS DICKENS GALILEO LINCOLN PAVLOVA ROSSINI YELTSIN !"# BHG FEBRUARY$%&%' 8 LETTERS EPICURUS 9 LETTERS LINDBERGH MENDELEEV 10 LETTERS COPERNICUS SHACKLETON WASHINGTON 11 LETTERS BADEN-POWELL Solutions from page 160 C Official publication of Mark Twain’s autobiography, 100 years a#er the author’s death, a delay ordered by Twain himself D CDs surpass casse$e tapes in sales E First publication of Alexander McCall Smith’s The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, the first in a long-running series of novels F First performance of the musical West Side Story
CODE!CRACKER Each number in the grid represents a different le"er of the alphabet and it’s your task to decode them all. We have given you three le"ers to start you on your way. You can record each le"er as you work it out in the le"er checker at the bo"om of the grid, and strike each one off in the columns on either side of the grid. A B C D E F G H I J K L M 1 2 4 26 26 19 9 23 16 22 21 15 21 6 6 20 16 14 20 1 25 4 18 3 9 16 20 21 23 26 9 16 20 26 13 8 16 9 8 3 15 3 21 16 16 15 20 12 11 3 16 16 24 17 21 16 4 16 9 2 12 4 25 1 14 9 7 4 3 3 21 21 20 26 21 15 11 13 3 26 16 26 20 1 16 13 16 21 1 3 10 16 9 16 1 16 1 23 22 13 26 15 22 17 17 26 1 21 18 14 7 21 9 8 1 1 1 21 17 16 16 3 11 4 3 9 8 1 15 16 23 16 5 26 16 16 20 1 7 23 25 21 21 16 3 15 22 22 9 8 16 22 7 4 20 9 23 3 9 12 13 22 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 21 9 4 4 4 13 16 2 9 1 3 26 1 16 18 16 25 16 22 22 9 9 6 22 21 15 23 23 19 9 9 25 22 15 16 1 18 16 3 21 20 21 18 24 16 21 20 13 17 2 18 25 1 15 20 21 1 19 6 21 D 12 21 15 20 21 6 1 16 1 1 16 A 12 18 25 3 16 15 22 9 4 16 20 13 O 10 23 26 7 21 16 6 3 16 24 20 14 12 23 9 6 9 4 22 22 1 4 26 16 15 10 4 5 23 20 22 6 21 16 26 20 5 21 22 9 9 16 21 20 11 15 12 11 N O P# Q R S T U V W X Y Z
SUMMER!FUN SOLUTIONS LOGIC PUZZLE Banana Cherries Birthday BESPOKE Cancan, Concur, Ounces, Pencil, Poncho, Rancid. Centre le!ers are NC Chocolate Smarties Wedding ALPHABEATER Pound Raspberries Anniversary Red velvet Flowers Retirement Cake BETTER PUZZLES For more brain games plus great prizes, check out the puzzle books from the team at Be!er Homes and Gardens, in newsagents and supermarkets, or magshop.com.au/puzzles. Sponge Topping Marshmallows Occasion G O S S WR R I A P L O V E E H S C A L E D E M U S C L O E M O S A I X O E A R Y A R D Just because JIGSAW R D E M L O T P E A N U A C O E A C H R E E T R Y P O I C L A L I C M I C F L E C B A P S S U E L E T S I N C U T S T J O M U E R S S E A P R F E S S S U A R E R E S T S T E U Q G R U A R A N I V E R S N N H D C R E A M H R E T U R Y S A S H M A M I G O I N E R T U L I P H D H E S O S U M U M I M E A N S N L I C N O W F L A W E T E S T E S T L T H O S E B U A T T A L E R S U N I G H E T C L U U B R O S K E B U I S H R V E R F R O T R L M S C O F A W R N E L E I F T O U R N U A M P A W A Y H M O S E N O R T E U L B I T E N F Z S V A E S T L E B A E Y A R N R A G E E D O D G S I N E P L O U S K I U G A T H C O E L R L O B E T N T E !"# BHG FEBRUARY$%#%& P I E R E I G A I R D V I N O G N E S H O W U I N O O N E H T S A R A B L E L D S E R T R A P H U I B E A N G H O E R N E X T SUDOKU ! " F D # B C E $ % A 8 G B E # $ A ' % ( & ! " & ' ( G F C D ) A ) ( & F G ! D E # ' C $ " ' C $ % & ) " ( F D G B % B # ! E A # F D A E ! G ' & $ % ( B ) G B E A # % $ " ' C ! D ( & F ) " C % ( " $ B C ) & D A # F E G ' ! C ! & ' D F $ # G " F & ( " B E ) G A % $ 9 ! % & B A C E D ' F ' ) " D # G ! B D E C F & ) " B F # % ( & $ ) ( G ' A F ) 4 ( % C $ A E ( % ! B C E F A ' ) $ & E D A C ' ( $ ) G " " # G D # ! & B 3 $ G A ! 6 # ! D E % B C " B A # ! % & D C ) G " ' ( E F $ " ' % G ( $ E ! C F B A ) D # & DOUBLE TROUBLE S H I T A F T Y K N M A A D M E P A D C A U T L F A M N S E L E D O E M L A C E S T H M I A A G A I N P R S S D T O Q U E O U L G A S N E A T E R B C H A S E T L D T T A G E N T A I S E C T R H A R P E P O C K E O T D E G R O O V A Y
ARROW WORD SUDOKU 2 1 1 4 2 7 3 6 5 9 8 8 9 7 5 1 4 2 6 3 6 3 5 2 9 8 7 1 4 4 7 8 1 6 5 3 2 9 5 6 3 8 2 9 1 4 7 9 2 1 3 4 7 8 5 6 3 5 6 9 8 2 4 7 1 2 8 4 6 7 1 9 3 5 9 2 5 7 4 8 1 6 3 7 1 9 4 5 3 6 8 2 7 3 6 1 5 2 9 8 4 1 8 4 9 3 6 7 5 2 6 7 8 2 1 3 4 9 5 2 5 9 4 8 7 6 3 1 4 1 3 6 9 5 2 7 8 8 6 1 3 2 9 5 4 7 3 4 7 5 6 1 8 2 9 5 9 2 8 7 4 3 1 6 6 7 2 4 3 1 8 5 9 5 4 9 8 6 2 7 4 5 1 3 3 3 7 4 9 1 5 6 8 2 2 5 1 3 6 8 7 4 9 8 4 9 7 5 2 3 6 1 7 6 3 1 4 9 2 5 8 1 2 5 8 3 6 4 9 7 5 1 2 6 8 3 9 7 4 4 3 8 5 9 7 1 2 6 6 9 7 4 2 1 8 3 5 5 7 2 6 1 9 4 8 3 1 5 9 2 7 8 6 3 4 8 4 3 5 9 6 1 2 7 7 9 6 1 2 3 5 4 8 5 2 1 8 4 7 3 9 6 3 8 4 9 6 5 7 1 2 4 3 8 6 5 9 2 7 1 2 6 5 7 1 4 9 8 3 9 1 7 3 8 2 4 6 5 6 1 9 4 2 5 3 8 7 2 5 7 9 3 8 6 1 4 3 4 8 1 6 7 2 9 5 7 6 5 8 9 2 4 3 1 9 2 1 5 4 3 7 6 8 5 9 6 2 8 4 1 7 3 1 7 2 3 5 9 8 4 6 4 8 3 6 7 1 9 5 2 P I M M S P O I T A O S P R A A G W I D E R U S E S P L I U O A M S T P E A E M E R G N I N S O U T B R I L E A K E R R D A 6 8 1 4 5 3 2 6 9 7 9 3 6 8 7 4 5 2 1 2 9 3 7 4 6 8 1 5 6 5 7 1 9 8 2 3 4 1 4 8 2 5 3 7 6 9 4 8 1 3 2 5 9 7 6 3 6 5 9 8 7 1 4 2 7 2 9 4 6 1 3 5 8 E R M O E T H E T M Y L D L S R E Y W B Y I H E H I G R C N S H I W E M D U W E A R U I G N P B O M T V G A K B I E T A R U N O I A V O K M S K F D J A Q U A Y A R U W T L A C A G N R Q D Y J F U Z R Y N F R S R Y A O S E L G T L E F Y B L D J I M S T A W V P N O S D L C N R R R N N L Z D A R O N B A R A S S I I S O M Z I A F A A H A A S E V O N N E C A W L E Y 8 3 4 7 1 6 5 2 9 SPORTS LEGENDS WORD SEARCH Missing name: Peter Thomson J W O R I J B O B S K I L T O N X O W E R R S J J N A A B I U B E T T Y C U T H B E R T X M O E K E O L C L Q C Z W F U J F E N R A W E N A H S N L E H C Y K L E H I X A E B M O C W E N N H O J I C L D J K A B Y J I V L J L P H E R B E L L I O T T L I N C S K R L H E E E I O T K C C C L P J F J I I A M A A T C A E E B G I M K H E L F I Y L R B D L I R H R T U I B W A E A G G E T N R L F O O B O S U B K T T H R R H I T N V H T N R S E L I B Y R I H K M E I R Y R T A S H A U M E R U G M A I E F N L D T M J E E F O A M M E U A A D O O N P J L N N Y D L S N W K B R C P R U R D S T W S C I M D E E D O H A I L A C N E K C E E A A G Y K W M B O H C G R E G N O R M A N X R R R C I N X S A F O B J S K H N R Z R E P A R N H O J B H E N S E L T A P F F E T A R T H Y Y R C H O P H O W E S E T S S H U T N T E R E A S E E R D A M E M S A D L Y E R O L E A S T L A T T E E A S T L E S A I D E R E A R L A R M S A TO Z J O L L Y B A R L X R I V A L P L G M E E T I T A N I C N D S I D L E W X R R E F A K I R H E V L Y T K I L L J O Y E E G G R A D U A L HISTORY TEST 1 B, D, C, F, A, E HISTORY TEST 2 F, A, B, D, E, C DEFINITIONS (Solution: C) L C U U M Q Q U A A T A V E U N U M E O N E B E D I L E T Z I E N T I T T H Y R T R L Axle, Balcony, Cumquat, Drilled, Eider, Fakir, Gradual, Heavier, Idle, Jolly, Killjoy, Llama, Metho, Needle, Origin, Plumber, Quilt, Rival, Sweet, Titanic, Until, Venue, Wa!, Xavier, Yoga, Zenith. O TAKE SIX 1 De"ly, 2 Singer, 3 Pre!y, 4 Debris, 5 Friday, 6 Armani, 7 Length, 8 Tassie, 9 Papaya, 10 Newest, 11 Cradle, 12 Greedy, 13 Tiptoe, 14 Enrich, 15 Troupe, 16 Agatha, 17 Jocose, 18 Bronco, 19 Johnny, 20 Uproar, 21 Subdue, 22 Taiwan, 23 Royale, 24 Dollar, 25 Refine, 26 Petnap, 27 Retail, 28 Fourth, 29 Aflame, 30 Naples, 31 Flicks, 32 Gretel, 33 Mishap, 34 Sheath, 35 Gloria, 36 Garlic. Hidden word: Prawns
SUMMER!FUN !"# BHG FEBRUARY$#%#& FAMOUS FILL IN Feeling a bit wiser now? Get handson with the genius DIYs in the rest of the mag! L I N D I N C B O A L D A N E R E N O P O M W A A E R L Y E L T I CODE CRACKER J O U R N A L I S M C O Q U E T T E 1 14 S B S Q U A D U L X I D E E E T A K E A C O R N P G C E B A G R R E A D O W T O R I M S O V U E L L O W A B B U E I G E R L E H E A D L R O N S E U H F E Z E I Z L L I F N E E R I D E S Y I J A U N R K L A R K U A S Y A W N C I H O P M U S H B A S U L T S E I Z E H S W I G H T S C A D L V I E S E D 2 12 J 15 N 3 16 L E 4 17 5 6 7 8 9 18 19 20 21 22 O Q C W Z K P X R A I T 10 V 23 D 11 Y 24 F T S I U N C N E A J A I N I T O R G 25 13 P B E R G H O A R E A C S N V O S D S L P I E H U G O E N L A V R W I N C A N K G A L I L E I R C E E P U D T I S H I N G T O N C S N U O V E R S I N U D I C K E N S V E N G E R S A E E S S E P A K E T Y L E L T O G S W E R X A Q U A T Z N R D E R S T A H D D M A X I P C T O R K N E E L T H E R A Z F O E S A T L U E O S E M A R M E G A N D E L E N N E V O J O Y C N E S M I A J I E S P T I I C N D I M S P E L A P Y I I N G Y H 26 M U JOIN THE FUN WITH BLUEY AND HER FAMILY IN BLUEY: THE VIDEOGAME ! Become immersed in the world of Bluey in this interactive sandbox adventure as players navigate faithfully recreated and iconic locations, including Bluey’s home. Embrace your inner Bluey with minigames seen in the show such as ‘Keepy Uppy’ and ‘Magic Xylophone’, and complete activities to earn in-game rewards, including new costumes, stickers and more. Available from EB Games, JB Hi-Fi, Big W, The Gamesmen and Amazon, for $69.95. Photography Adobe Stock. Compiled by Are Media Puzzles. Prices are approximate and a guide only. CHUNKY CROSSWORD Across: 1 Crisis, 4 Sepia, 8 Cream, 11 Shrink, 13 Viola, 14 Logo, 16 Loaf, 18 Rungs, 19 Tutor, 20 Wa!le, 21 Mire, 22 Bray, 23 Former, 27 Beirut, 30 Rail, 32 Flop, 34 Senate, 37 Frost, 39 Lo", 40 Seep, 41 Eerie, 42 Hiker, 43 Chord, 44 Runt, 45 Vent, 46 Nasal, 52 Enough, 55 Cheap, 57 Apron, 58 Sahara, 60 Roses, 61 Duff, 64 Yoyo, 65 Rinse, 66 Crete, 67 Miss, 68 Fremantle, 70 Drew, 73 Quills, 75 Jeans, 77 Climb, 79 Feeler, 80 Aorta, 83 Algae, 87 Rename, 88 Diary, 89 Lance, 90 Drawer, 92 Drop, 95 Plausible, 99 Clam, 101 Agile, 102 Snail, 103 Boss, 105 Amen, 106 Diane, 107 Trance, 108 Exile, 110 Rural, 112 Stitch, 113 Allow, 116 Pact, 118 Gras, 120 Lucky, 123 Argue, 126 Topee, 129 Oven, 130 Tutu, 131 Twice, 132 Taurus, 134 Pile, 135 Omen, 136 Nod off, 140 Basset, 143 Tank, 144 Iron, 146 Depart, 148 Anglo, 151 Usher, 153 Debt, 154 Pity, 155 Since, 156 Hidden, 157 Elope, 158 Sieve, 159 Silver. Down: 2 Shout, 3 Score, 4 Soon, 5 Prism, 6 Aviary, 7 Load, 8 Canary, 9 Empty, 10 Melt, 11 Scarf, 12 Ruler, 15 Orate, 17 Adept, 24 Prior, 25 Sloth, 26 Spick, 27 Balm, 28 Ratio, 29 Tried, 31 Immerse, 33 Lighter, 34 Shorn, 35 Nests, 36 Espy, 37 Fern, 38 Tame, 47 Seldom, 48 Accent, 49 Hush, 50 Knives, 51 Parole, 53 Unfairly, 54 Heirs, 56 Prove, 57 Asset, 58 Saved, 59 Hay fever, 62 Defeat, 63 Scenic, 69 Afar, 71 Quartet, 72 Merrier, 74 Solve, 75 Joked, 76 Satay, 77 Camel, 78 Brake, 79 Fried, 81 Harrison, 82 Happen, 84 Gaps, 85 Invest, 86 Calamari, 91 Habits, 93 Paste, 94 Either, 96 Abode, 97 Buyer, 98 Handle, 99 Class, 100 Poncho, 104 Lard, 109 Imperil, 111 Rostrum, 114 Lunar, 115 Wards, 117 Colt, 119 Rake, 120 Lemon, 121 Cited, 122 Host, 124 Graph, 125 Alibi, 127 Prank, 128 Cuff, 133 Amaze, 137 First, 138 Unwise, 139 Prunes, 141 Sited, 142 Talon, 143 Tokyo, 145 Nurse, 146 Drums, 147 Pupil, 149 Gave, 150 Menu, 152 Hide.

READING!MATTERS better books T H E N E W E S T A N D B E S T N OV E L S A N D N O N - F I C T I O N ] My Name Is Barbra Barbra Streisand (Penguin Random House, $75) !I!WROTE!THE!BOOK"""! TO!TALK!ABOUT!THE! MYTHS!ABOUT!ME! BARBRA STREISAND Uncle Paul Celia Fremlin (Allen & Unwin, $22.99) In a seaside caravan resort, Isabel and her sister Meg build sandcastles with the children, navigate deckchair politics and gorge ice-cream. But Mildred, their half-sister, has returned to a nearby coastal cottage where her husband, mysterious Uncle Paul, was arrested for his first wife’s attempted murder: and family skeletons emerge. Now, on his release from prison, is he returning for revenge, seeking who betrayed him? Or are all three women letting their nerves get the better of them? !"# BHG FEBRUARY$%&%# Barbra Streisand is a living legend, a woman who, in a career spanning six decades, has excelled in every area of entertainment. She is among the handful of EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony) winners and has one of the greatest and most recognisable voices in popular music. She has been nominated for a Grammy an astonishing 46 times. In My Name Is Barbra, she tells her life story, from growing up in Brooklyn, to her first appearances in New York nightclubs, to her breakout performance in Funny Girl, to her long string of successes in every medium. THE LITTLE LIAR Mitch Albom (Hachette, $39.99) When the Nazis invade Salonika, Greece, Nico, an 11-year-old boy, is offered a chance to save his family. He is instructed to convince his fellow Jewish residents to board trains going east, where they are promised jobs and safety. He dutifully goes to the station platform every day to reassure the passengers. Only after it is too late does Nico discover that the people he loved would never return. As the decades pass, the consequences of what they endured comes to light. THE BEE STING Paul Murray (Penguin Random House, $32.99) The Barnes family is in all kinds of trouble. Dickie’s once-thriving car business is going under. Imelda, his wife, is selling off her jewellery on eBay, while their teenage daughter, Cass, formerly top of her class, seems determined to binge-drink her way through her final exams. As for 12-year-old PJ, he’s in debt to a local sociopath and planning to run away. Where did it all go wrong? THE VASTER WILDS Lauren Groff (Penguin Random House, $34.99) In the 17th century, a settlement in the Americas is on the brink of failing. Most of the population has succumbed to either famine or disease. We follow the journey of a servant known only as “the girl” who has fled into the wilderness. Will the danger ahead be worse than what she has left behind? Compiled by Joseph Kenworthy. Prices are approximate and a guide only. [

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FEBRUARY!STOCKISTS better stockists [ P L A N N I N G A T R I P TO T H E S H O P S? H E R E ’ S O U R R O U N D - U P O F P R O D U C T S ] YOUR!SHOPPING!DIRECTORY Adairs adairs.com.au Aesthetics Rx aestheticsrx.com.au Alpha-H adorebeauty.com.au Amazon amazon.com.au Arbonne arbonne.com Aspect aspectskincare.com Aveeno chemistwarehouse.com.au Bali Body au.balibodyco.com Beauty Jar hardtofind.com.au/bhg Biologi biologi.com.au Bunnings bunnings.com.au CeraVe chemistwarehouse.com.au Clarins clarins.com.au Clark Rubber clarkrubber.com.au Clémence Organics clemenceorganics.com DU’IT chemistwarehouse.com.au Ella Baché ellabache.com.au ESK eskcare.com Strawberry sensation, page 64 Project supplies Bunnings Ezy Storage 69L flexi laundry hamper, white, $12.73. Saxon hessian garden bag, 110L, $9.99. Scotts Osmocote premium potting mix, 25L bag, $9.28. Small wall, big stunner, page 68 Shopping details Adairs Caspian cushion, $48.99. Bellarine Green Stripe cushion, $55.99. Project supplies Bunnings 200 x 75mm 2.4m sleeper hardwood, $54. Zenith 14G x 150mm galvanised type 17 batten bugle head timber screws, 25 pack, $21. Flower power flowerpower.com.au Freedom freedom.com.au FRESH sephora.com.au Harry Hartog harryhartog.com.au IKEA ikea.com/au James Lane jameslane.com.au Jelly Ko woolworths.com.au Kenzina kenzina.com.au Kmart kmart.com.au Mavala frenchbeautyco.com.au Minenssey minenssey.com Mitre10 mitre10.com.au Mukti Organics muktiorganics.com Myer myer.com.au Natio natio.com.au Officeworks officeworks.com.au Oz Design Furniture ozdesignfurniture.com.au Palmer’s chemistdirect.com.au Australian Builders 20kg quick set concrete, $9.97. Everhard 600mm x 6m drain matting, $27.02. Reln stretch ag-pipe 100mm x 8m slotted and socked, $42. ANL 1 tonne 10mm Blue Metal loose aggregate, $82. Beauty between bricks, page 72 Project supplies Bunnings Garden Basics organic compost, 25L bag, $4.98. Garden Basics water saving mulch, 25L bag, $4.98. Upon reflection, page 86 Project supplies IKEA Fargek decorative mirror, grey, 20cm dia., $15/4 pack. Plastix plastix.com.au Pottery Barn potterybarn.com.au Provincial Home Living provincialhomeliving.com.au Purely Byron purelybyron.com San Lueur sanlueur.com Seed Heritage seedheritage.com Skin Control skincontrol.com.au Skinstitut adorebeauty.com.au Spotlight spotlightstores.com The Jojoba Company thejojobacompany.com.au The Ordinary priceline.com.au TheraBody therabody.com/anz West Elm westelm.com.au Wheel & Barrow wheelandbarrow.com.au White Mica whitemica.com.au Wrinkles Schminkles wrinklesschminkles.com.au Kmart Scalloped hyacinth placemat 38cm, $4.50. Decorative wood beads, $8. Officeworks 35cm plywood mirror, $14.99. Spotlight Fibra Natura raffia natural 35g, $9.50, or Paper raffia roll Natural 200m, $25.80. 250mm metal ring, $9. E6000 Crystal Clear Glue tube, $23. Cooper & Co round mirror tiles clear 30cm, $52.50. Retro revival, page 96 Shopping details Adairs Freya Natural and Tobacco rug 160 x 230cm, $299.99. Freedom Chiappo table lamp, $249. Krelle candle holder in Smoke 18cm, $14.95; 15.5cm, $12.95. Harry Hartog Minimalista by Shira Gill, $59.99. Iconic Modern Australian Houses by Karen McCartney, $59.99. Life Unhurried by Celeste Mitchell, $50. Dreaming The Land by Marie Geissler, $100. IKEA Svartpoppel cushion in Pale Green, $8. James Lane Corfu White concrete vase, $49.95. Bono Terracotta vase, $174.95. Celeste Glazed Ginger vase, $119.95. OZ Design Furniture Monochrome Semicircles 1 box canvas artwork 104 x 144cm, $349. Wheel & Barrow Spike decoration in Gold, $9.95. Project supplies Amazon Coolqiya 31-LED rechargeable motion FEBRUARY!"#"$ BHG %&'
FEBRUARY!STOCKISTS Bench to impress, page 100 Project supplies Bunnings 285 x 19mm 2.4m DAR pine premium, $55.65. Porta 42 x 30mm 1.2m DAR rectangle general purpose pine, $9.80. 42 x 19mm 2.4m DAR pine premium, $11.23. Timbermate 250g pine wood filler, $10.29. Spotlight DecoArt Dazzling Metallic Paint in Black Pearl 59ml, $7.20. Smart cookie, page 104 Shopping details Adairs Fraser Natural counter stool, $299.99. Bunnings Mondella Black Maestro lever handle sink mixer, $179. Freedom Eyre glass vase, $79.95. Sabi vessel 20cm, $59.95. Elora framed artwork 50 x 50cm, $99.95. Myer Maxwell & Williams Graze round serving paddle in Black, $69.95. Maxwell & !"# BHG FEBRUARY$%&%' Williams Graze Rectangular serving paddle in Natural, $59.95. Australian House & Garden Esperance wiped edge casserole dish in White/Sand, $59.95. Pottery Barn Handcrafted Glazed Terracotta vase, $199. Larkin Reactive Glaze Stoneware soup bowl in Chambray Blue, $16. Mendocino salad plate in Mineral Blue, $14. Mendocino stoneware mug in Mineral Blue, $16. Provincial Home Living Mandal chopping board, $149.95. Thistle recipe stand in Black, $39.95. Cuisine tea towel, $12.95 each. Bazaar shopper basket, $49.95. West Elm Mill Stoneware kitchen canister medium, $38.95. Project supplies Bunnings 89 x 19mm 2.4m DAR pine premium, $17.30. 1200 x 596mm 18mm plywood pine BC grade, $31.80. Specrite 2200 x 600 x 26mm timber multi-use pine panel, $89. Hafele 65mm benchtop connector, 3 pack, $5.91. 1800 x 595mm 16mm melamine particleboard white, $49. 42 x 19mm 2.4m DAR pine premium, $11.23. Windoware 2m hooks and eyes expanding curtain wire kit, $3.50. 1200 x 600mm 19mm timber panel Tasmanian oak FJ laminated feature grade, $86. Taskmaster 610 x 27mm polished brass continuous hinge, $3.90. James Hardie 2700 x 1200 x 7.5mm, $151.69. Carinya 170 x 210 x 30 x 15 stayed bracket single, white, $7.85. Spotlight Amaco Rub’n Buff Antique Gold, $27. Pulling double duty, page 112 Shopping details Bunnings Ficus Elastica ruby, Ficus India rubber tree. Spotlight Koo Kalem jute 160 x 230cm rug. Project supplies Bunnings 1200 x 900mm 12mm MDF panel standard. Dulux 340g Duramax Parisian White Chalk Finish Spray Paint. Cabot’s 1L satin water based Cabothane clear polyurethane timber varnish. Pinnacle antique bronze daisy head upholstery nails. Clark Rubber Medium density foam 23-130 25mm. Polyester wadding. Spotlight 150cm upholstery fabric. School’s in, page 126 Shopping details Adairs Como golden oak side table, $399.99. Lillie Lilac & Ginger cushion, $89.99. Belgian Brown Sugarwashed linen cushion, $79.99. Flower Power Hot Rio Nights heliconia, $199. Seed Heritage Raffia stitch detail fedora, $59.95. Monochrome raffia logo tote, $169. Spotlight Koo Kalem chunky jute Natural rug 120 x 180cm, $100. Project supplies Bunnings Kaboodle 600mm White slimline cabinet, $117.60. Kaboodle slimline cabinet hinge pack, $47.80. Kaboodle 600mm gloss white modern slimline door, $47.52. Ecoply 2400 x 1200 x 12mm non-structural plywood, $44. 42 x 11mm 5.4m moulding white pine FJ primed DAR, $12.39. 42 x 19mm 1.8m DAR pine premium, $8.65. 89 x 19mm 1.8m DAR pine premium, $15.14. Porta 30 x 30mm 2.4m Scotia clear pine, $28.70. Dulux 1L Aquanamel semi-gloss White enamel paint, $61.90. Taskmaster black double robe hook, $3.20. Lane leather black handle, $10. Easyroll 50mm 40kg load transparent swivel plate and brake castor, $7.35. PRIVACY!NOTICE This issue of Better Homes and Gardens is published by Are Media Pty Limited (Are). Are may use and disclose your information in accordance with our Privacy Policy, including to provide you with your requested products or services and to keep you informed of other Are publications, products, services and events. Our Privacy Policy is at www.aremedia.com.au/privacy/. It also sets out how you can access or correct your personal information and lodge a complaint. We disclose your personal information offshore to our joint venture partners, service providers and agents. It is not practicable to specify all countries to which we may disclose your personal information. The countries your personal information will be disclosed to include New Zealand, the USA and the Philippines. In addition, this issue may contain Reader Offers, being offers, competitions or surveys. Reader Offers may require you to provide personal information to enter or to take part. Personal information collected for Reader Offers may be disclosed by us to service providers assisting Are in the conduct of the Reader Offer, and to other organisations providing special prizes or offers that are part of the Reader Offer. An opt-out choice is provided with a Reader Offer. Unless you exercise that opt-out choice, personal information collected for Reader Offers may also be disclosed by us to other organisations for use by them to inform you about other products, services or events or to give to other organisations that may use this information for this purpose. If you require further information, please contact Are’s Privacy Officer either by email at privacyofficer@aremedia.com. au or mail at Privacy Officer, Are Media Pty Limited, 54-58 Park Street, Sydney NSW 2000. Prices are approximate and a guide only. sensor closet light undercabinet magnet wireless stick-anywhere light, $16.99. Bunnings Krud Kutter 946ml tough task remover, $21.49. DIGGERS 1L mineral turpentine, $5.65. Poly 1L Polystrippa paint stripper, $21.49. Selleys Plastic Wood filler cement, 230g, $29.57. Feast Watson 250ml Scandinavian oil, $23.60. Feast Watson 1L satin wipe-on poly, $47.10. Feast Watson 125g soft wax, $20.10. Kmart Graphic markers, 36 pack, $15.00. Plastix Acrylic bronze mirror 470 x 360, $20 each. Spotlight Plain 90cm acrylic felt, $13 per metre. White Mica Dixie Belle No Pain Gel Stain in American Honey, $69.95.
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ANIMAL!MATTERS [ T I P S TO C A R E F O R O U R F U R RY S E N I O R S A N D K E E P I N G H O U S E ! ] The Golden Years Tailor a lifestyle plan for your best mate’s senior years! When our four-legged friends approach their golden years, they may start experiencing health issues such as arthritis, dental problems, reduced mobility and dementia. Dogs are considered senior from around the age of five to six, depending on size and breed, while cats may show signs of ageing around 10 years old. Knowing when your furry companion needs extra care can help maintain happiness, !"# BHG FEBRUARY$%&%' comfort and quality of life. Here’s a few tips from Petstock vet Dr Nick Emerton. SKIN CHECKS Senior dogs and cats need skin checks more often to monitor for any lumps or bumps that may be cancerous and treated as swiftly as possible. their individual needs. Food that is relatively low in fat will also assist in preventing weight gain when your golden oldie becomes less active. Keep ’em moving with daily, vet-approved exercise that is suitable for your ageing pet. GENERAL CARE Regular grooming will help keep matting at ORAL HEALTH bay. Continue with Regular teeth brushing, essential flea, tick and dental treats and dental- worming protection specific diets can help to ensure they remain with preventing dental healthy for as long disease. as possible. With the right vet care and FOOD FOR HEALTH support, your senior Consider altering your furry companion can pet’s meals to an agecontinue to live a happy appropriate diet with and healthy life at home supplements specific to enjoying lots of cuddles and love from you. FURRY ’N’ FRESH! Keeping your home clean and tidy can be a challenge when you’ve got pets running around drooling, shedding and sometimes having a potty accident. This daily cleaning routine will help keep your house sparkling and your furry friends happy! • Tackle pet messes immediately, as spills or accidents can become more difficult to remove over time. Pet-specific products are formulated to help get rid of stains and odours more effectively. • Regular grooming and bathing, especially of long-haired pets, will help remove dirt, loose hair and dander from your furry friend, and in turn keep your rugs and furniture clean. • Sweep or vacuum daily, particularly in high-traffic areas and under furniture. Lint rollers can work like a charm to remove pet hair from upholstery, clothing and furniture too. • Clean your pet’s food and water bowls, and wipe down surfaces, such as tables and kitchen benchtops, to remove paw prints and other pet grime. • Wash pet beds weekly and clean toys as needed to keep them fresh and clean of filth and bacteria. • Ventilate your home by opening windows and doors to allow fresh air in and pet odour out! • If you are concerned about your pet’s toileting accidents, it’s a good idea to consult your vet. Photography Getty Images better pets