NEXT的January 2020目录

It’s around about this time every year that I make my annual promise to get less stressed. Yes, it’s one that’s been on high repeat since forever, but doesn’t it seem so eminently do-able when your days involve drifting from deck chair to beach towel to barbecue to bed? The very thought of being wound up by work deadlines, familial demands and domestic duties… well, the New Year Me laughs in the face of that. Of course the New Year Me is just the old me with a glass of wine in her hand and a view of the ocean. Take them away and it’s business as usual. Dr Libby Weaver, who graces our cover this month, tells us that stress can actually be a mask for a more deep-seated…

1 Compliment the person, not their body. “So lovely to see you” is about the person, “You’re so gorgeous” is about their body. 2 Start a nightly gratitude routine with your kids so they fall asleep noticing what their body does for them, rather than what it looks like. 3 Become aware of how bigger bodies are stereotyped in media (the ugly, lazy or greedy one) and talk to your kids about how this stereotype is untrue and harms everyone. 4 Show kids how videos and photographs are edited so they understand that what they’re looking at does not represent reality.…

In 1989, the Australian fashion designer had moved to Auckland to run the retail division of a fashion company and for more than 20 years had worked her way up to company director, responsible for six brands and around 15 staff. But on June 11, 2009, she walked into a meeting with two of the company’s senior managers and immediately knew something was wrong. “I could have cut the air with a knife,” recalls Laurinda, 55. “They handed me my redundancy notice.” A decade down the track, the Sydney-born designer admits she can still feel her chest tightening and her heart beating faster when she talks about it. When the meeting request arrived in Laurinda Sutcliffe’s inbox, she didn’t think too much about it. ‘It was unthinkable that I could…

You had us at work less. This Wall Street Journal business bestseller by Morten T Hansen, the author of Great By Choice, is full of insights, gleaned from a five-year study involving more than 5000 managers and employees. It will help you figure out what your own personal strengths and weaknesses are so you can focus on a strategy to become more productive. Morten uses inspiring real-world examples to illustrate his seven ‘work smarter’ practices that will help you get ahead without trying to be all things to all people and burning out in the process. A great one to set your course for the year ahead. Great At Work by Moren T. Hansen (Simon & Schuster, $38).…

Q Occasion dressing intimidates me, so I recently splurged on a good quality black dress that I’m planning on wearing to several special events over the coming months. How do I reinvent it with different accessories? A I really believe you have done the right thing. I look in other people’s wardrobes all the time and see beautiful occasion dresses hanging forlornly unworn at the back – and to make matters worse, these were often the most expensive garments in the wardrobe! There’s a few ways to change up your black dress – obviously it will all come down to accessories. So, try these tips: Add some sparkle • Go for the diamante earrings/silver shoes/silver or crystal embellished bag combo. Go for gold • Accessorise with earrings, shoes and a…

Own a rental property but not sure what you need to do to meet the new healthy homes standards? Following these five steps will help you meet the requirements and will also help your property last longer, be more secure, need less long-term maintenance and attract tenants who want to look after it. The important thing is to make sure you have a plan in place, so check the dates opposite to ensure you’re on track. 1 THINK AHEAD At the start of the summer holidays, probably the last thing you want to be thinking about is the arrival of cold weather! But this is the best time of year to install heat pumps and other fixed heating sources, which will soon be mandatory in all rental properties. Some heating…

WELL WASHED Calming and soothing, pale blues and greys remind us of cloudy skies, refreshing waters and delicate shells. Check out the Resene Colorwood stains range for finishes that merge perfectly with weathered greys and blues. Try Resene Poured Milk, Resene Coast, Resene Slipstream or Resene Half Periglacial Blue for a beachy vibe. All can look surprisingly different depending on the type of timber they are applied to, and can suit traditional or contemporary interior styles. Towel time New Kiwi towel brand Baina has launched a collection of aesthetically pleasing hand, bath and pool towels set in the muted earthy tones of sage, chalk and ecru. Finished with terracotta coloured ribbon, the quality towels are ethically produced with the aim of encouraging less frequent repeat purchasing when it comes to…

ENSURE YOU HAVE YOUR HOME SET UP THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Need help getting set-up and connected? Get the Noel Leeming Tech Solutions team round at your place. Need a Wi-Fi boost to get rid of black spots at your house? Having trouble with tech set-up and installation? No problem, their passionate experts can visit and get you fully up and running. Want to find out more? Visit noelleeming.co.nz/services.…

1 Bondi Sands GLO Lights, $24.99 (25ml). Summer is all about a dewy look. Mix this creamy liquid highlighter into your moisturiser for a healthy glow, or apply directly on top of makeup, blending into the highpoints of your cheekbones. 2 L’Oréal Paris Bambi Eye False Lash Mascara, $31. The aim is a pretty doe-eyed effect. Buildable volume will come from repeated brushing, but with just one swipe, you could almost pass for Twiggy herself. 3 Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Arancia di Capri Body Lotion Spray, $75 (150ml). A luxurious yet functional addition to your summer self-care routine, the refreshing scent of this spray lotion features notes of orange, mandarin, lemon and a touch of caramel. 4 Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum – 60 piece,…

Sun strokes An SPF is non-negotiable for preserving the safety and appearance of your skin, but if you want to skip the greasy feeling or ghostly look you get from your classic sunblock, not to mention avoid any major handbag spillage, give the new generation mineral makeup sunscreen Brush on Block, $44, a go. Available in Transparent or Touch of Tan for a light, buildable tint, the product is easy to apply, suitable for all skin types and water resistant for up to 80 minutes. FLYING SOLO You’ve converted to Elizabeth Arden’s single-dose ceramide skincare capsules for the convenience factor alone, now get ready to make a little more space in your carry-on by ditching your hefty cleanser in favour of Eve Lom’s new Cleansing Oil Capsules, $122. Not just…

If you are looking for a natural option to support you through menopause, there are a number of dietary supplement choices available to you from soy and red clover to dong quai and beyond. Soy and red clover are isoflavones and are believed to work by mimicking oestrogen in the body, essentially tricking the body into believing it has more oestrogen, which for some women may support relief from menopausal issues. Evening primrose oil has also been effective for some, as has dong quai, kava and black cohosh. Black cohosh is a natural herb that has a long history in traditional Native American tribal medicine. The particular herbal extract used today is extracted from the root of the plant and has been widely used in Western culture since the 1800s.…

Kale, quinoa & pomegranate salad SERVES 6 PREP TIME 25 MINUTES, PLUS STANDING 1 tsp honey 1 tsp Dijon mustard ¼ cup (60ml) white wine vinegar ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1 bunch curly green kale (460g) ½ cup (100g) quinoa, cooked and cooled 1 large avocado, stone removed, cut into thin slices ¼ small red onion, sliced thinly 250g grape tomatoes, halved ¼ cup (35g) pistachios ¹/₃ cup (65g) pomegranate seeds 1 Whisk the honey, mustard, vinegar and olive oil together in a small bowl; season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. 2 Tear the leaves from the kale stalks and shred finely. Place in a large bowl with half the dressing; toss well to coat the kale in the dressing. Stand for 30 minutes…

Fabulous fungi Did you know mushrooms are anti-inflammatory, containing far more antioxidants than many fruits and vegetables and that eating them consistently can help fight the visible signs of ageing? If you’re ready to sign on for these tasty little fungi, not that Meadow mushrooms come in handy packets: Large portabello, Swiss Brown, white button and premium shiitake. meadowmushrooms.co.nz COELIACS CAN CELEBRATE When you’re on a gluten-free diet, finding a delicious and easy breakfast cereal option can be tricky, particularly if you miss muesli. Luckily, Hubbards has come to the rescue with Amazing Gluten Free Muesli made with a fabulous blend of crunchy grains approved by Coeliac NZ. Available in 5 Grains & Berries and 5 Grains & Nuts, they truly do live up to the amazing title. Available from…

See in 2020 in style and impress your guests with this home-made cocktail devised by award-winning mixologist and co-founder of Auckland’s Clipper bar Barney Toy. Barney has partnered with SodaStream to create a number of light and refreshing cocktails, including this beauty some of the NEXT team intend to emulate. The glass of bubbles 100ml good quality gin 10ml St Germain elderflower liqueur 45ml homemade ‘Champagne’ cordial 75ml SodaStream sparkling water Lemon peel, to garnish ‘CHAMPAGNE’ CORDIAL 300ml flat prosecco or Champagne 2g citric acid 100g caster sugar 1 For the ‘Champagne’ cordial, put all the ingredients in a jug and mix until the sugar has dissolved. Store in a sealed bottle, it will keep for up to three weeks. 2 For the cocktail, add the gin, elderflower liqueur and…

FASCINATING The Missing Cryptoqueen Glamorous entrepreneur Dr Ruja Ignatova promised to make ordinary people rich through her revolutionary crypto currency, OneCoin. OneCoin was launched in 2014 and within two years Dr Ruja was packing out arenas across the globe, always dressed in silk gowns and diamonds, and wearing her signature red lipstick. And then she disappeared. Was she murdered? Kidnapped? VERDICT Jamie Bartlett and Georgia Catt have left no stone unturned to make this gripping podcast. TRUE CRIME Unheard: The Fred & Rose West Tapes In 1994 in Gloucestershire, a horror story was unfolding: police began digging up human remains from a seemingly innocuous suburban house. The homeowners – Fred and Rosemary West – are believed to be responsible for killing 12 girls and women, including their own daughter. Journalist…

It was one of those weeks when everything breaks. Calamitous, they happen to us all, hinting at a future dystopia and your own lack of preparedness, when the built-in obsolescence of every piece of whiteware, small appliance and stick blender in the house kicks in and they sigh and collapse, bleep, fart and die – leaving nought but a puddle of defrosting peas and the feeling you’re living under a curse. It’s the same when you break a whole lot of things yourself (so aggravating, isn’t it? Having no one else to blame): cursed, you are a one-woman wrecking ball. This week so far I’m down a fridge-freezer, side table, a lawn mower, and the vase I got for my 21st. Rather than a part-time writer and not-very-mild-mannered bureaucrap, perhaps…

HAIR PRODUCT: L’Oréal Paris Botanicals Safflower Rich Infusion Conditioning Balm. It smells divine and helps tame my unruly mane. INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT: @rosshalfin, a friend and rock band photographer with the hugest catalogue of photographs and the most irreverent comments about them. FRAGRANCE: Balmain Ambre Gris by Pierre Balmain for Women. Darkly sexy but not overpowering. WINE: I’m looking to do another Boh-laboration as the last one, Bohsé with Hāhā wines, has sold out. ACCESSORY: Everything from the new Boh Runga Jewellery range Stellar Rose, which is a tribute to my band’s 20th anniversary. We’re also working on a bag range. ALBUM: stellar* Mix on limited edition vinyl, which we had pressed for its 20th anniversary this year.  SHOE: Kathryn Wilson slides, perfect for summer! SKINCARE PRODUCT: Trilogy Age-proof Nutrient Plus…

Your NEXT Giveaway, Private Bag 92512, Wellesley Street, Auckland 1141, or go to nowtolove.co.nz, click on the ‘win’ tab and enter your unique code NXTGIVEAWAY0120. All entries must be received by January 31, 2020.…

Based on some of the headlines she’s made over the course of her acting career, you might have preconceived ideas about Teuila Blakely. Namely, that she is as bold, brash and ballsy in real life as she tends to be on screen. Spoiler alert: she is. But I’m still somewhat surprised when she sneaks through the door of a quiet café in West Auckland wearing her apparently standard off-duty uniform of nondescript activewear. She’s here to discuss her new role in Prime TV drama The Brokenwood Mysteries, where she’s been cast as prison superintendent and CEO Angela Lafferty, whose on-duty uniform is eye-catching power suits. “I had a lot of fun with that,” says the 44-year-old best known for her four-year stint on Shortland Street playing polarising nurse and single…

Do you check your phone in bed, in the car and even as you walk down the street? Perhaps you feel angsty boarding a flight and switching to airplane mode. We’re more dependent on our phones than ever – in fact, a recent study found the average person checks their phone a whopping 85 times a day. It’s no wonder ‘nomophobia’ – a blend of ‘no mobile phone phobia’ that’s defined as fear or worry at the idea of being without your mobile phone or unable to use it – was the Cambridge Dictionary’s People’s Word of 2018. Research is beginning to understand the damaging effect excessive smartphone use can have on health and relationships, but thankfully, there’s no evidence to suggest we need to give up our phones completely.…

Capricorn DEC 23 – JAN 20 ELEMENT: Earth KEY WORDS: ‘I achieve’ GEMSTONE: Garnet RULED BY: Saturn POSITIVE: Ambitious, humorous, loyal, gregarious NEGATIVE: Cautious, old-fashioned, calculating, cool OVERVIEW: ONE STEP AT A TIME Pluto, planet of major life events, dominates your new year. Tight budget constraints will clash with your instinctive love of the good life. April gives you an answer, though perhaps not what you expect. Take one step at a time. RELATIONSHIPS You’ll be feeling restless at the start of January when a romantic encounter puts you off balance. Keep your options open in February. The April Saturn shift unleashes the passionate side of your nature. August brings your family closer together. MONEY Saturn, your ruling planet, sometimes holds you back, but in May it exerts a positive…

The mixed prints Pair a busily patterned top with something more pared-back. Use colour to keep your outfit cohesive. The floral maxi Don’t save this versatile item for special occasions – it’s perfect for travelling between the city and the sand. The white shirt Layered over a silk slip, a crisp white shirt is an elegant cover-up for sunny days. The black dress You can never go wrong with an LBD. This season’s relaxed version is feminine and floaty. The jeans blue Update your denim wardrobe with a pair of cropped jeans. A high waist and tucked in top will balance the proportions. The wrap dress Puffed sleeves bring a new spin to a classic silhouette that remains flattering for every figure. The new jumpsuit Satin separates make for a…

BE SUN-SAFE Protect your precious skin with quality protection that’s fit for purpose – whether you’re working up a sweat, enjoying the surf or just kicking back. From left: Bondi Sands Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+, $17.99. Sun Bum Pineapple Lip Balm SPF15, $7.99. St Tropez Self Tan Watermelon Bronzing Mousse, $69.95. TAKE IT OUTSIDE Make an inviting al fresco entertaining area with a comfortable couch, gorgeous cushions, tea lights and on-trend tableware. And splash out on some stylish picnic gear, for delightful excursions. 1 Terrace Flamingo Cushion, $49.99. 2 Terrace Summer Cooler Tote Bag, $39.99. 3 Terrace Frenchie Cushion, $49.99. 4 Terrace Light, Clear, $29.99. 5 Terrace Picnic Snack Table with Drink Holder, $49.99. 6 Terrace Belize Stripe Cushion, $59.99. 7 Terrace Gem Goblet, 410ml, $10.99. 8 Terrace Summer…

July 1, 2019 + Ceiling and underfloor insulation is compulsory in all rental homes where it is reasonably practicable to install it. + New tenancy agreements must include a separately signed insulation statement. + Landlords must include a statement of intent to comply with the healthy homes standards in any new, varied or renewed tenancy agreement. + Landlords must begin keeping records that demonstrate compliance with any healthy homes standards. + Heating devices and extractor fans installed after July 1, 2019, must meet the requirements set out in the healthy homes standards. July 1, 2020 + Landlords must include a statement of their current level of compliance with the healthy homes standards in any new, varied or renewed tenancy agreement. July 1, 2021 + Private landlords must ensure their rental…

Q: What is a tropical style and what are its benefits? A: A tropical style is defined by comfort, ease and utility, and is normally a little eclectic. It’s always calm, warm and soothing, so there’s no need to leave home to find your oasis. Who doesn’t want to extend their vacation?! Q: How do you smoothly integrate a tropical vibe to your home interior for that staycation feel? A: It’s all about the airy textures, rattan furniture and tropical plants – lots and lots of plants! Lush oversized greenery and plenty of different shaped planters helps to really pull off the look. Use soft natural woven fabrics within soft furnishings and accessories. Oversized wall art and hangings can help too – they provide drama but aren’t too overwhelming. If…

The hot weather and longer days are finally upon us, which means summer entertaining is in full swing. There’s no better way to celebrate than gathering loved ones and sharing good conversation with a refreshing beverage in hand – whether that be in the form of a garden party, poolside bash or backyard barbecue at the bach. From homemade tepache (a delectable pineapple drink) to innovative cocktail recipes, we’ve rounded up what’s trending and put together the ultimate summer entertaining guide to kick off 2020 with a bang. Cool collaboration If you prefer to keep things simple, but still stylish, when it comes to entertaining, you’ll be pleased to know that local fashion label Twenty-seven Names and sustainable drinks company Six Barrel Soda Co. have teamed up to bring us…

Tip A hydrating facial spray keeps your makeup fresh and your skin dewy. Keep things simple with just bright lips and a dusting of bronzer. Lively colours brighten the face and bring a youthful glow to the skin.…

1 Leonard’s Whole Cooked Ham on the Bone 1 cup apricot jam 1/4 cup maple syrup 4 tbsp brown sugar 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard 1 tbsp hot English mustard 1 tsp ground cloves, plus a handful of whole cloves (optional) 11/2 cups beer, apple juice or pineapple juice 1 XL oven bag 1 Preheat oven to 170ºC. In a medium-sized bowl, mix the apricot jam, maple syrup, brown sugar, mustards and ground cloves, if using, together. 2 Make a circular cut through the rind of the ham about 10cm from the knuckle end of the ham. Remove the rind from the broad side of the ham by gently pulling it away from the fat layer with your fingertips up to the circular cut. 3 Score the ham in a diamond…

A busy schedule doesn’t mean you have to forsake delicious food that’s good for you too. Regal’s flavourful new oven-ready salmon range offers a no mess, no fuss way to perfectly cook tender, boneless salmon fillets. With the delectable glaze already made, including Sweet Chilli, Manuka Honey & Soy, and Al Brown’s own Smoked Chilli, Honey & Lime, simply drizzle it over the salmon and pop in an oven preheated to 180oC or under the BBQ hood. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes until cooked through. It’s a foolproof way for the ultimate salmon dinner. Each Regal Oven Ready pack comes with a 50g serving of glaze and two fillets packed with omega-3 fatty acids. For further health benefits, pair your fillet with a salad or steamed vegetables. Serving suggestions Oven…

Noel Leeming’s tech expert Jackie Smith answers your questions on living smarter. Q: What are the best tech travel tips when taking my kids on holiday? A: We recommend getting your devices holiday- and child-ready before you even leave the house. On holiday, even more so than at home, there are shared devices so it’s best to have your parental controls set before going on vacation. You can also download all the content and the apps you’ll need while you’ve still got access to wifi, this will ensure that you’re not left lost, bored or spending up large on data connections while out of town! Wait and transit times can be long, so don’t forget to also make sure you’ve got a battery back-up charged and ready to go. noelleeming.co.nz/…

I just ate some leftover salted caramel pavlova, straight out of the fridge. The whipped cream was slightly curdled and it was kind of revolting, but delicious. Then, for my hangover, I took two Panadol Extra with added caffeine washed down by a Red Bull as I did a pole dancer hip swivel to Led Zeppelin, which was playing on Spotify (“Hey, hey mama, gonna make you sweat, gonna make you groove”). And now, here I am writing this on my laptop, lying on a fake fur rug on my sofa, with Pickles the delinquent cat. I am toggling between The New York Times crossword – hoping to get to genius level, which always gives me a cheap thrill – and writing at the same time. I mention these banal…

Emma Wright spent 25 years obsessing about food. Over that long period, she had bouts of binge eating and struggled with bulimia. From the time she woke up until the time she went to bed, Emma thought about what she was going to eat, and obsessed about calories. Her body battle started when she hit puberty at the age of 14, only ending when she turned 40, when she realised the impact her disorder was having on her body and her life. Emma speaks about her personal journey from the living room of her home in Arrowtown, Central Otago. Today, she is a healthy, attractive 50-year-old mother of two children, aged eight and 10, who shows no signs of her former, secretive habit. She uses her experience, though, to go…

There’s nothing quite as sobering as discovering that every one of the 40+ aged work colleagues you’re standing around a table with at ‘Friday night drinks’ is on Tinder. While the singles scene may be slightly overrepresented in the group I’m with, the fact remains there are a lot of over-forties involved in online dating. It makes sense when you do the math. New Zealanders typically marry in their early thirties (31 if you’re a woman, 32 if you’re a man). The median duration of a marriage is 13 years and the average age for divorce is mid-forties so it’s not uncommon for 40-somethings to find themselves back on the market after several years of cohabiting with a significant other. Navigating the online dating world in your forties can be…

• USE AN APP like Moment to take an audit of how much time you spend on your phone. “Coming to grips with exactly how much time you spend on your phone is an important first step,” says Jocelyn. You can also do this by going to the settings on most phones. • WEAR A WATCH “When you use your phone to tell the time it’s very tempting to also look at Facebook or an email,” says Sue. • TIDY UPYOURAPPS and social media connections. “Get rid of all the apps you’re not using, and cull the people in your feeds that aren’t contributing in a positive way or who you haven’t seen in a decade,” says Jocelyn. • DON’T KEEPYOUR PHONE BESIDE YOUR BED AT NIGHT “Have at least…

Wedding Tip Balance bare arms with a longer hemline and a high neck Zar for an elegant look. Playful earrings, accessories $ 9.90. are a great conversation starter! Barbecue Tip Cool and comfy, a chambray shirt is a wardrobe workhorse that can be layered over tees and camis, or worn tucked-in or tied to emphasise a high waist. Beach day Tip Give the shorts Zara and tees a rest and reach rrin , for 1 something . light and floaty the next time you’re beach bound. You’ll be perfectly attired for a post-swim G&T. Long lunch Tip Summer is the best time to embrace bold prints. Stick to simple jewellery and neutral accessories that won’t steal the spotlight.…

The essence of community A curated collection of thoughtful gifts made by local Kiwi artisans is now available at Max. Artisan reflects Max’s commitment to sustainability and embodies the best of what home-grown entrepreneurs are creating with their own hands, including hand-thrown pottery, jewellery and skincare. In an industry that just keeps speeding up, these friends of the brand show what it looks like to slow down and tread lightly on the planet. From La Petite chocolates to Salt by Hendrix bath salts and George & Edi candles, each product champions thoughtful consumption. A CHANGE FOR GOOD In a bid to do better by our planet, Ruby has turned the spotlight on packaging. The local brand has ditched bags and accessory pouches made out of plastic and plastic-coated drawstring cords,…

Longtime fans of the brick bungalow, owners of this house Peter and Lissa Twomey were enchanted when they first laid eyes on this property. Cornices, archways, tessellated floor tiles and stained-glass windows all cast their spell on the couple. But you can have too much of a good thing – because the previous owner had faithfully restored the four-bedroom house true to its turn-of-the-century period, it didn’t function as a modern family home. “It was like watching an episode of The Sullivans,” says interior designer Brett Mickan, who later worked his magic on it. “The house felt like a film set.” Typical of homes of the era, despite a sympathetic 1990s extension – with gables, tiled roof and deep verandah – which created a family room on the rear, the…

It’s such a special time of the year and we all yearn to spend it with our loved ones. With many of us having family members scattered around the globe, we often miss out on enjoying the seasons festivities together. But the latest tech products make it so easy to share precious moments – everyone can join in on happy occasions, wherever they are. Here are our tips for how to celebrate with your nearest and dearest to create memories of wonderful times together. HAVE A CHAT Nothing beats hearing the voices of friends and family when you’re missing them most. Treat yourself to Samsung’s new Galaxy Note10+ 256GB Smartphone or the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13.5” Intel i7 256GB SSD and revel in precious time talking. They have all…

Hydrate When skin is parched, a moisture-infusing mask will restore its suppleness and make you more comfortable. Apply anywhere dry patches appear, especially on your forehead, cheeks and along your hairline. If your skin feels dry, leave your hydrating mask on overnight. OUR PICKS: 1. Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque, $84, has an oil-free gel formula that quenches parched skin to leave it beautifully plumped. 2. Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask, $46, is soothing to sleep in and promises to nourish skin for up to 72 hours. Purify To target oily zones and blackheads, look for words like ‘detoxifying’ and ‘oil absorbing’, and ingredients like charcoal and clay. Apply to your T-zone and other areas that need cleaning. Once dry, emulsify with a little water and use a warm…

Informed and educated are the key words when it comes to the next phase of the menopause conversation. Not just talking about it, but arming women with the right information to feel better. Women need practical and authoritative information – and GPs should be much better at providing it. Every woman needs a clear understanding of what this phase of her life entails. “I’d be devastated if I thought the next generation was going to have to overcome the same hurdles to get the right treatment and support, and have the same struggles in the workplace that women today are still having,” says Diane. For more information, visit mpoweredwomen.net and @mpowered women.…

A couple of years ago I realised I regularly arrived into the Christmas period at a full gallop. There was work, end-of-year tasks, plans and budgets for the year ahead, managing a family, organising celebrations and gifts, getting in touch with friends and overseas relatives to acknowledge them/tick them off my list... I approached the week before Christmas like a racehorse being whipped to a froth down the final strait, resenting everyone. In desperation I put my foot down, declaring that for five days over Christmas I would only travel on foot, and have no more than one appointment per day. GIVING GRATITUDE The result? The pace of life slowed right down. The days felt long and free, and I was able to enjoy everything in them. A picnic on…

Chocolate and rosemary bundt cake SERVES 12 250g plain flour 65g Dutch-processed cocoa powder 3 tsp baking powder, sifted 1 tbsp rosemary leaves, finely diced 170g unsalted butter, at room temperature 225g brown sugar 2 large eggs, at room temperature 400ml full-cream milk TOPPING 6 rosemary sprigs Icing sugar, sifted, for dusting Double cream, to serve 1 Preheat the oven to 160°C. 2 Grease a classic-sized bundt tin generously with butter and flour or non-stick cooking spray. 3 Sift the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder into a bowl, then stir through the rosemary. 4 In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs and beat until combined. Alternately, add the milk and dry ingredients to the butter…

‘MY OTHER PROBLEM, I THINK AS I CLATTER DOWN THE STAIRS, IS THE WHOLE LANGUAGE DEAL’ Saturday morning, 11 o’clock. Frosty sunshine pours into the kitchen, hurting my eyes. Normally I’d still be sleeping at this hour, particularly as I’ve entered a night-owl phase that finds me working on my book until four or five in the morning. Today I’ve been woken at seven by the rubbish trucks, at eight by Mr Stable returning from the gym with vigorous feel-good noisiness and at nine by my alarm. Now I’m sitting here throwing back the coffees and wishing early matinee performances had never been invented. Not only am I queasy, exhausted and over-caffeinated, I’m also insanely nervous. I check my phone every few seconds for a text from Mr Stable saying…