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Passengers stranded after three-year cruise abruptly cancelled

When Life At Sea <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/travel/cruising/world-first-three-year-cruise-revealed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> their world-first three-year voyage in early 2023, many were quick to jump at the opportunity to spend the next years of their life onboard. People from around the globe <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/travel/cruising/meet-the-woman-preparing-to-spend-three-years-at-sea#xd_co_f=YTM5MzVmOGQtNTY4My00NWE1LThjNDctMTUxMjJlNjVhMWNj~" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sold their homes</a> and belongings to fork out the hefty $180,000 price tag to spend 36 months travelling the world, with their once-in-a-lifetime voyage set to kick off in November. But now, as their departure date loomed, Life At Sea have left passengers stranded after abruptly cancelling the trip in its entirety. Life at Sea Cruises was scheduled to depart from Istanbul, Turkey on November 1st but departure was relocated and delayed twice to November 30th, before passengers were informed on November 17th the cruise was off, according to CNN. The news outlet reported that the ship that was destined to be the vessel of the three-year journey was bought by another company just one day before the voyage was cancelled. The owner of Life at Sea Cruises’ parent company Miray Cruises, then confirmed they couldn’t afford the ship because investors had pulled out “due to unrest in the Middle East” – but suggested they were working on getting another ship and a new departure date. The idea that the vessel would be replaced filled some travellers with hope they would still be embarking on their three-year adventure, before CEO of Miray Cruises was forced to clarify: “In case we weren’t clear, the Life at Sea cruise trip is cancelled.” Passengers were devastated by the news, with those who thought they had locked in the next three years of their lives telling CNN they felt “incredibly sad”, “angry” and “betrayed”. “I had the next three years of my life planned to live an extraordinary life, and now [I have] nothing,” said one cruiser. “I don’t think they will ever understand how much damage they’ve caused us,” said another. The more than $180,000 three-year trip had been celebrated by big cruising fans and called a “nightmare” and “claustrophobic” by critics across social media. The company’s website is still advertising the cruise as normal, with a countdown stating on Monday it was three hours “until we go for an adventure of a lifetime”. Image credits: Life At Sea

Travel Trouble

Cheese and bacon muffins

A delicious savoury muffin that’s great for when the grandkids are around or an on-the-go snack. Makes: 12 Ingredients: <ul> <li>2 egg</li> <li>250g self-raising flour</li> <li>1 cup grated cheddar cheese</li> <li>3 rashers bacon, cooked and finely diced</li> <li>1 cup milk</li> <li>½ teaspoon salt</li> <li>½ teaspoon pepper</li> </ul> Method: 1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Grease muffin tray and set aside. 2. Combine flour, cheese, bacon, salt and pepper in bowl. 3. In separate bowl, whisk eggs and add milk. 4. Make a well in the dry ingredient and gradually add egg mixture. Gently mix until just combined. 5. Spoon mixture into muffin tray. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until tops are golden. Images: Shutterstock

Food & Wine

French toast in a mug

Food & Wine

Surprising items to never take into the kitchen

Keeping your kitchen clean may seem like a never ending task at times, what with constant food preparation and other crumb and mess producing activities taking place all day long. There’s a difference however between a “messy” kitchen and a “dirty” kitchen with the latter providing a breeding ground for nasty germs and harmful bacteria. Here’s what to ban now for a cleaner, healthier kitchen space in a snap. 1. Sponges – You’ve probably heard it before but the kitchen sponge is a breeding ground for bacteria. Keep yours spick and span with a weekly soak and wash in bleach followed by a dry in the sun and chuck them out once they start to show signs of wear and tear. 2. Shabby re-usable grocery bags – If your reusable grocery bags are starting to show their age, it may be time to replace them. Your bags can harbour plenty of bacteria from the loads of groceries you use them for. A quick wash and dry can help solve the problem and prolong the life span of your bags. 3. Your mobile – Your mobile phone is crawling with germs. Taking it into the kitchen while cooking is a sure fire way to transfer the yuckiness to your food. Try and keep your device out of the kitchen or if you need it for cooking, set it somewhere away from the food and wipe your hands and device down with an antibacterial wipe after you’ve finished cooking. 4. Pet food – While keeping your dog or cat food in the house can help prevent outdoor pest problems, the kitchen isn’t the place for food bowls. If their food sits out for a longer period of time it can attract indoor pests and create a less than appealing smell. Try moving your feeding station to the laundry for a more sanitary solution. 5. Your handbag – Similar to your mobile, your handbag is literally covered in grime. Think about where you take it on a daily basis! Keep it out of the kitchen when and where possible. Image credit: Shutterstock

Home & Garden

Around the world three-year cruise in crisis

When Life at Sea Cruises announced their record-breaking <a href="https://oversixty.co.nz/travel/cruising/world-first-three-year-cruise-revealed">three-year voyage</a> around the world, eager travellers raced to book their cabins onboard. Marketed as the "world's first – and only three year cruise", demand for rooms was “unprecedented”, with some travel enthusiasts moving out of their homes and selling their possessions in preparation for the trip of a lifetime. Despite the demand for a spot on board the MV Gemini, the future of the voyage is now in jeopardy, with Life at Sea Cruises, a subsidiary of Miray Cruises, being inundated with demands for refunds just months after the bookings opened. The entire team at Life at Sea Cruises, which was set up specifically for the record-breaking project, has parted ways with Miray Cruises after an apparent breakdown in communication over the suitability of the ship. Mike Petterson, the now former managing director for <a href="https://www.lifeatseacruises.com/">Life at Sea Cruises</a> confirmed to <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/three-year-cruise-crisis/index.html">CNN Travel</a> on Wednesday that he and the rest of the founding team have "stepped away" from the project. Despite the team breakdown, Kendra Holmes, director of business development and commercial operations at Miray International, insisted that the voyage will still go ahead. "This cruise is not cancelled," Holmes said. "We are moving ahead. It is departing November 1st as planned. So I just want to make sure to clear that up right now. We are not cancelling this." However, it's still unclear whether the voyage will go ahead on board MV Gemini, or a different ship. "Currently the name of the ship is Gemini," Holmes added, before explaining that she was not able to discuss a new ship at present. "I wish that we didn't have these kinds of situations," said Fuat G., hotel director at Miray Cruises. "We are moving forward. Whatever we have to do to finish that project. And [we will] go to a second, third, fourth and fifth ship. Whatever it is." A press release announcing the project back in March stated that the MV Gemini would be "overhauled" for the voyage. However, according to Irina Strembitsky, former director of sales and marketing of Life at Sea Cruises, the ship, which has capacity for up to 1,074 passengers, was deemed "unseaworthy" by an engineer, who also expressed doubt that it would be able to complete a three-year journey. Understandably, the news of the uncertainty that the trip will go ahead has caused major concern for passengers, with some demanding a refund. One traveller who voiced her concerns is retired teacher <a href="https://oversixty.co.nz/travel/cruising/meet-the-woman-preparing-to-spend-three-years-at-sea">Sharon Lane</a>, who booked a ticket for the entire three-year journey and planned to sell most of her belongings before setting off. Lane says that regardless of how things turn out, she will not be going on the journey, which was due to visit 135 countries and seven continents. "Life at Sea says the trip is cancelled. Miray says it's still a go, but without the entire Life at Sea management team," she told CNN. "I don't really care who is right or wrong. I'm allergic to chaos. Going was a huge calculated risk to begin with. Now, it's far too risky for my liking." "It's very sad," she said. "I was all in. It will take me some time to undo what I have already set in place, but at least I'm not one of those who has already sold a house and all of my belongings. My heart aches for them." Image credits: Life at Sea Cruises

Cruising

How to decorate with indoor plants

If you want to add colour and freshness to your home, why not bring the outdoors in with some strategically placed indoor plants. Not sure where to start? Follow our tips to make the task simple and stylish. <ul> <li>Buy the best pot you can afford – it really does add the wow factor when you see a plant inside in a fabulous pot. In the same way, a great plant will lose its pizzazz if it is housed in a dull or cheap looking pot.</li> <li>Stay in fashion – always choose plants that won’t go out of fashion, even if you change your décor. Your local garden centre is a good source of information on the best plants for your climate.</li> <li>Keep your options open – there’s actually no need to pot your plant into your new pot. Just sit the plant inside and cover the top with stones or coconut fibre. This means you can easily move it around if you find it’s not working in its current home.</li> <li>Liven up your space – choose a plant that is an unusual colour or has an interesting leaf shape. </li> <li>Don’t go overboard – it’s best not to put too many plants in one area. Keep it simple.</li> <li>If in doubt, throw it out – if your plant starts to look a bit tired or sick it’s best to remove it from the indoors and try to revive it outside. You can easily replace it with a new plant for inside – after all it’s still cheaper than a bunch of flowers.</li> </ul> Related links: <a href="../lifestyle/at-home/2015/07/fragrant-plants-for-home/">5 plants that will keep your home smelling lovely</a> <a href="../lifestyle/at-home/2015/08/coat-hanger-hacks/">Genius things you didn’t know you could do with coat hangers</a> <a href="../lifestyle/at-home/2015/07/bathroom-storage-solutions/">7 creative storage solutions for your bathroom</a> Image credit: Shutterstock

Home Hints & Tips

Meet the woman preparing to spend three years at sea

When Sharon Lane heard about a once in a lifetime trip offered by a cruising company for a three-year voyage around the world, she began dreaming of her life on board. The 75-year-old cruising fanatic, a retired teacher from California, is no stranger to all-or-nothing travel experiences. She has frequented Europe with her students, taught foreign languages, and in the 1990s, she up and left to spend two years in South Africa. While looking for her next adventure, Sharon discovered an incredible voyage with Life at Sea Cruises. The company is selling places on board the <a href="https://oversixty.co.nz/travel/cruising/world-first-three-year-cruise-revealed">MV Gemini</a>, which sets sail from Istanbul on November 1st 2023 on an epic three-year global journey that will take in most of the planet's prime cruising destinations. The MV Gemini will stop at 375 ports over its three-year voyage, with 208 of these including overnight stays. The ship will stop everywhere from India to China to the Maldives to Australia, with some multi-night stopovers. A recent convert to the world of cruising as she has gotten older, Lane said one of her favourite sensations is the calming feeling of being adrift at sea. "I actually prefer the ocean days, when we're just sailing through or powering through the oceans, it just thrills me," Lane tells <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/cruise-ship-three-years-mv-gemini-passenger-perspective/index.html">CNN Travel</a>. After hearing about the voyage from a friend, Sharon immediately started her planning and budgeting. "By midnight that night, I had done enough research that I booked a room," she says. The cheapest rooms on the MV Gemini cost around $US30,000 ($45,000) per year, including a discount for solo travellers. Since booking her ticket, Lane is busy working out the details before her embankment date in November. She is selling most of her possessions, giving up her rental lease and preparing for a long stint at sea. "The logistics are crazy," says Lane. "It's a leap of faith, but I know there will be a place here when I get back. Or maybe I'll end up living in another country. I don't know, the sky's the limit." While she is getting rid of most of her belongings, she is determined to bring along a few family photos for the journey, particularly a favourite picture of her now-adult grandsons back when they were kids and she took them on a whale-watching trip. "I have that laminated and I'll take magnets and I'll stick it to my door for two reasons," says Lane. "One, I get to see their faces every time I go in, which is always fun, and the other reason is it makes it really easy to know which door is yours, because you've got your grandsons smiling back." Lane hopes her epic journey might inspire others to take a risk and push themselves out of their comfort zone, as she still regrets the years she spent in midlife putting off travelling and doesn’t want others to hold the same regrets. "I think I was always waiting for the perfect time to go when everything is right in life, when money is right, when appointments are right, when other people want to go," she says. "Don't stay home," she encourages. "Home may be where the heart is, home may be where you hang your hat – hang your hat, and then get on the boat, get on the plane, get in the car, go somewhere." Image credits: CNN Travel

Cruising

13 unusual uses for coffee filters

If you enjoy a cup of the caffeinated stuff of a morning, chances are good you probably have a packet or two of coffee filters knocking around in the pantry. While essential for creating the perfect brew, the simple shape and lint-free design of this beverage essential makes them useful in plenty of other places around the house. <ol> <li>Use them to protect your dishes – Protect your favourite plates or good china from chipping and scratches by slipping a single filter in between each when stacking.</li> <li>Savvy snacking – If you’re serving up something greasy or even a finger food snack, a coffee filter makes the perfect snack bowl. Added bonus? No washing up!</li> <li>Sparkling windows and mirrors – The lint-free design of coffee filters make them perfect for cleaning fragile surfaces.</li> <li>In the garden – When filling up pots with soil, place a filter in the bottom, over the water hole. This allows water to filter through but stops soil seeping out.</li> <li>Smart storage – Lots of loose odds and ends floating around? Corral them all together by using a filter to group similar objects.</li> <li>Clean your screens – Dusty TV or computer screen? A coffee filter is great for grabbing dust and grime from smooth surfaces.</li> <li>The key to micro-sieving – If you’re baking and need a super fine sieve, line your standard utensil with a filter to catch even the smallest particles of food.</li> <li>Ice block savior- Stop sticky fingers in the grandkids by snipping a hole in the centre of a filter and pushing the stick through to create a little “drip dish”.</li> <li>Grease your baking utensils – Ensure a lint free, well-greased surface by using a filter to grease your baking tins or trays.</li> <li>Create spotless glassware – Prevent unsightly streaks by using a filter to dry your glassware.</li> <li>Keep your microwave clean – Use a filter when heating leftovers in the microwave to prevent splatter.</li> <li>Absorb oil – Cooking bacon? Pop the finished product onto a filter to drain away excess oil.</li> <li>Streak free stainless steel – Filters work like magic on stainless steel appliances like your toaster as well as taps and fixtures.</li> </ol> Image credits: Getty Images

Home & Garden

World first three-year cruise revealed

Have you ever dreamed about living out at sea? On a luxury cruise ship while travelling every corner of the world? Well, with this revolutionary first in the cruising industry, now you can! Life at Sea Cruises have revealed the new MV Gemini: a world first three-year cruise, setting sail and visiting 135 countries across the globe. Starting off in Istanbul on November 1, the three-year journey across 209,214 kilometres will visit 375 ports around the world. Passengers can also be picked up in Barcelona, Spain, or Miami, Florida. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will allow visitors to see 13 World Wonders, including Rome's famous Colosseum, India's Taj Mahal and Brazil's Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Most around-the-world cruises spend just a couple hours or maybe even a few nights per port, while the MV Gemini will dock for up to seven nights at a single destination, allowing travellers to get the most out of each city. Eager travellers will be able to board from just $125 (AUD) a night, with a variety of basic and luxury rooms available. Prices for the entry-level cabins, the 'Inside/Outside Staterooms,' start at $3,726 per month for cabins ranging from 130 to 142 square feet. Moving up a level, you've got the 'Premium Inside/Outside Staterooms' ranging from 142 to 160 square feet, with prices for this room starting at $4,323 per month, working out to be $141 per day. Lastly there are the 'Junior Suites/Balcony Suites', the most luxurious on the ship, as these cabins, ranging from 210 to 260 square feet, start at $9,989 per month, which works out at $119,294 per year per person. The biggest catch of the journey: travellers are not able to book shorter stays onboard the vessel. It’s either three years at sea, or nothing. Luckily, while reselling of rooms is not allowed, guests, including children, are allowed to visit at any time. Reservations for <a href="https://www.lifeatseacruises.com/">Life at Sea's MV Gemini</a> three-year cruise opened on March 1st. Image credits: Life at Sea

Cruising

Breakfast Club star finally joins the baby club

Actor Anthony Hall and his wife, Lucia Oskerova, have shared the delightful news that they are expecting their first child together. In a statement to People, the 54-year-old actor, best known for his roles in Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club, opened up about how 34-year-old Lucia broke the news - a far cry from his The Breakfast Club character Brian Johnson’s stubborn “it's personal business. It's my personal, private business.” "Lucia and I were at home,” he explained. “She surprised me by revealing that she was pregnant with an at-home pregnancy test. We were kissing, hugging, and thanking God. We immediately started dancing and laughing in our bathroom to celebrate the good news.” Anthony went on to add that the couple will be having a boy, and that they already have a name for the little one picked out - “Michael Anthony the II”. Anthony’s full name is Michael Anthony Hall, but he changed it as many celebrities do upon joining the Screen Actors Guild in 1976. Of their upcoming dive into parenthood this summer, he gushed, "my wife and I are feeling so blessed, excited and filled with joy in anticipation of our son being born this summer.” Lucia took to Instagram to share their exciting news, with a post that also wished their fans a happy Valentine’s Day, tagging it “#babynews” and “#firsttimeparents”. “Congratulations!” Wrote Boardwalk Empire actor Chris Caldovino, to the thanks of both expectant parents. “I’ve been waiting FOREVER for the announcement of my new baby buddy! Love, love, love!” Declared one loved one, to whom Lucia responded that “it was starting to get hard to keep it a secret.” <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cop_osxSaGM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cop_osxSaGM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Lucia Oskerova (@luciaoskerova)</a> </div> </blockquote> Anthony had nothing but praise for his wife when asked about her pregnancy experience, telling People she’s been a “champ throughout”. "She's tending to every important detail as a proud, expectant mother-to-be,” he explained. “She is now six and half months along. "As a new father-to-be, I've been taking care of family business and making sure we all eat well, with a healthy diet of good foods — plenty of greens, vegetables, fresh fruit, and protein-rich food. Lucia makes great smoothies for us. And we are all getting good sleep each night." Anthony, as character Brian Johnson, once announced that he was “in the math club, uh, the Latin, and the physics club”. Whether or not Anthony himself has ever added any of these to his resume as well, he’ll soon be a lifetime member of The Baby Club. Image: Getty

Family & Pets

Princess of Wales shows off her tree-decorating skills

The Princess of Wales has given fans another glimpse into her Christmas spirit ahead of the holiday season. A few hours before her second annual Royal Carols: Together at Christmas concert, the Princess shared a video of herself decorating a tree. "Final touches before the #TogetherAtChristmas' Carol Service tomorrow," the caption read. The video shows a cheerful Kate dressed in a white turtle neck as she decorates a festive fir at Westminster Abbey. Fans commented on the video, wishing the Royal Family a Merry Christmas. “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to Prince and Princess,” someone wrote. “Season greetings your RH Catherine Princess of Wales,” another commented. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Final touches ahead of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherAtChristmas?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherAtChristmas</a> Carol Service tomorrow 🎄 <a href="https://t.co/mixjI8d5TD">pic.twitter.com/mixjI8d5TD</a> — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1603129389927071749?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2022</a></blockquote> “What a beautiful video. I’m so excited,” someone else wrote. The concert was a family affair with the support of Prince William, King Charles and the Queen Consort. The concert also celebrated the life of Queen Elizabeth II, who died on September 8. There were several choir performances of Christmas classics, including readings by the Prince of Wales and an introduction from The Princess of Wales. Royal Carols: Together at Christmas is set to air on ITV on Christmas Eve. Images: Twitter

Beauty & Style

Princess of Wales stuns in breathtaking new portrait

The Princess of Wales has released a breathtaking portrait ahead of the Christmas carol concert which she is hosting. Kate Middleton stuns in a beautiful red dress from British brand Needle and Thread, which retails for $850. She is seen posing in front of a Christmas tree in a decorated room as part of ITV’s Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey. The Princess of Wales will host the Together at Christmas service on December 15, with the support of Prince William, King Charles and the Queen Consort which will celebrate the life of Queen Elizabeth II. The program will also include the choir performing all the classics, including readings by the Prince of Wales and an introduction from The Princess of Wales. Fans were in awe over the portrait and the Princess’s outfit, wishing her the best for when she hosts the show. “Wow, Princess of Wales looking stunning and classy,” someone wrote. “First Christmas without our beloved Queen Elizabeth II. What a wonderful and touching tribute The Princess of Wales pays to her,” another commented. “Our Princess looks so christmassy. I can’t wait to watch her carol service,” another person wrote. Images: Twitter

Beauty & Style

Spiced apple and fig jam

Add the delicious flavour of figs, apple and cinnamon to your breakfast with this tasty homemade spiced jam. Makes: 8 cups Ingredients: <ul> <li>2 peeled and finely chopped green apples</li> <li>2 cups of water</li> <li>16 fresh figs, chopped</li> <li>½ cup of fresh orange juice</li> <li>¾ cups of sugar per each cup of fruit mix (see step 4)</li> <li>3 star anise</li> <li>1 halved cinnamon stick</li> <li>2 halved vanilla beans</li> </ul> Method: 1. In a large saucepan, add apples and water and bring to a boil. 2. Reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes, covered. 3. Add figs and juice and continue to cook for another 10 minutes. 4. Measure fruit mix. Measure three-quarter cup of sugar per each cup of fruit. Return fruit to saucepan. 5. Add sugar, star anise, cinnamon and vanilla to the saucepan and stir until sugar dissolves. 6. Boil uncovered for 45 minutes or until jam is gelled. 7. Pour jam into jars and seal. Image: Getty

Food & Wine

The fastest way to cut fruit and veggies

Whether you cook a little or a lot, after any time spent in the kitchen, you’ve probably wondered if there’s an easier way to cut fruit and vegetables. The answer is yes: there is. 1. The onion The onion is the bane of all preppers’ existence. They’re hard to hold, they make you cry, and many of us would be lying if we said we’ve never cut our fingers in the process. So the fastest way to cut an onion? Half the onion, lengthwise. Cut off the onion’s ends and peel off its skin. With each half’s flat-side down, dice the onion. No tears necessary. 2. Cherry tomatoes This method is pretty ingenious. Place the tomatoes on a plate and top with another plate, holding the tomatoes in between: firmly, but not so firmly that you squish them. Using a sharp knife, cut in between the two plates from one end to the other. Your tomatoes will be cut in half and you didn’t even have to look at them while you did it. It’s almost magic. 3. Kiwi fruit Cut each end off of the kiwi fruit and use a spoon to peel the kiwi’s flesh off, circling around the fruit. Then place the kiwi on its side and slice into disks! 4. Capsicum Capsicums couldn’t be easier. Cut the top and bottom off the capsicum and, using your hand, pull out its insides. Cut the pepper in half lengthwise. Rinse off any remaining seeds and slice into strips. 5. Mangoes If you’ve never seen a mango cut before, odds are your first attempt is going to be wrong. Mangoes have a long pit down their centre. Cut the cheeks off along either side of this vertical pit. In each cheek half, cut a grid into the mango (lines going up and lines going down, creating squares) then push from the peel side to pop the cubes so they’re standing up. Cut off the remaining delicious mango flesh that is around the pit. And that’s how it’s done! Image: Getty Images

Food & Wine

Bacon and egg tarts

Ready to eat in half an hour, this delicious recipe for bacon and egg tarts is the perfect with morning or afternoon tea will become a family favourite! Serves: 8 Ingredients: <ul> <li>8 rashers bacon</li> <li>4 eggs</li> <li>20g butter</li> <li>1 onion, finely chopped</li> <li>½ cup cream</li> <li>Salt and pepper</li> <li>2 sheets puff pastry</li> <li>100g mozzarella cheese, cubed</li> </ul> To serve <ul> <li>Tomato relish</li> <li>Rocket salad</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>Pre-heat oven to 210°C.</li> <li>Trim the bacon of rind and cut each rasher into two pieces.</li> <li>Melt butter in a small pan and sauté the onion over a medium heat for three minutes. Remove and cool.</li> <li>Break the eggs into a small bowl and add the cream. Using a fork to gently blend together but do not beat. Season with salt and pepper.</li> <li>Cut each sheet of puff pastry into four equal squares and place into greased muffin pans.</li> <li>Arrange the two pieces of bacon in each pastry case, place a few squares of mozzarella into pastry case. Pour the egg mixture slowly into each pastry case.</li> <li>Bake the tarts in the pre-heated oven and bake for 12 - 15 minutes until pastry is puffed and golden. Allow to cool for five minutes in the tin prior to removing tarts.</li> <li>Serve hot with tomato relish and fresh garden salad leaves.</li> </ol> Image: Getty

Food & Wine

Best high-protein foods for your diet

Whether you eat meat, are a vegan, or a vegetarian, protein is a necessary staple in every diet. To make sure you’re getting your healthy share of protein, we outline the best foods protein-rich foods. Edamame – Edamame beans are a type of prepared soy bean which contain protein, fibre, iron, and magnesium, all in one little pod. Nuts – Nuts such as almonds or pistachios pack a high-protein content and have also been linked to good brain health. Chicken – Chicken and turkey are two of the leaner meats available. As well as being high in protein, they contain zinc and vitamin B6, which support your immune system and heart. Tuna – Tuna and other fish are great sources of protein as well as vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids, which help with healthy brain and heart function. Eggs – Not only are eggs affordable and easy to incorporate in your diet, they are extremely high in protein content and keep you feeling full for long. Tofu – For the vegos out there, or just anyone who is looking to expand their horizons beyond meat, tofu is made of soybean curds. Don’t let the look deter you, it tends to take on the flavour of whatever you cook it with and is surprisingly delicious. Image: Getty

Body

Double uses for common household items

Many of the products in your home are so versatile, you’d be foolish to limit their uses to just one. Check out this list of clever ways to make your household items go twice as far. Towel rack – Use a towel rack to hold the lids to your pots and pans to banish cupboard clutter. Shoe organiser – Use a shoe organiser to hold anything from craft supplies to beauty products to cleaning products. Pillow case – Use an old pillow case to protect your clothes. Just cut a slit in the top of it and hang it over the top of your clothes hanger like a garment bag. Laundry pre-treater – Use your liquid laundry pre-treat formulation to remove stubborn adhesive stickers from any plastic or glass items. Cooking spray – Got a squeaky door? Spray the hinge with cooking spray for instant lubrication. No more squeaks! Baking soda – Use baking soda to unclog a stuck drain instead of using Drain-o. Pour a cup down the drain. Then add equal parts vinegar and let sit. Finish off with boiling water and your drain should be unclogged. Image credits: Getty Images Baby wipes – Use baby wipes to clean all of your electronics, including your keyboard, which, with daily use can get full of germs. Aluminium foil – Aluminium foil can take the place of your dryer sheets should you run out. Just crumple some into a ball and toss them into your dryer to help reduce static.

Home Hints & Tips

8 things you shouldn’t put in the dishwasher

Some items commonly placed in the dishwasher should never be put there. Wooden utensils – Hot water can cause your wooden utensils to wear and warp. Vintage plates – Detergent and hot water can wear at trims and painted details on old china. Aluminium cookware – Harsh conditions in your dishwasher can cause your aluminium cookware to grow discoloured. Insulated travel mug – Unless stated otherwise on the label, avoid putting travel mugs in the dishwasher. The water can get in between the cup’s layers and destroy the insulation, rendering your cup useless. Cheese graters and garlic presses – Most dishwashers aren’t powerful enough to fully clean a cheese grater. Wash it by hand exclusively or give it a scrub before putting it in the washer. Chef knives – Detergent can damage the sharp edge of your knives, and in turn your knives can damage other dishes if they’re not safely secured in your washer. Crystal – Some crystal can be put in the dishwasher, but to be safe your best bet is washing your best pieces by hand with a gentle soap or shampoo. Copper cookware – Like your aluminium cookware, the dishwasher can cause your copper goods to lose their coveted copper shade.

Home & Garden

Strawberry and Apple Crumble

All it takes is just one bite of this fruity delight and it'll instantly become a cereal favourite. <h4 dir="ltr">Ingredients</h4> 600g apples, peeled, cored, thinly sliced 2 Tbsp water 2 tsp CSR LoGiCane Sugar 300g pkt frozen strawberries <h4 dir="ltr">Oat and pistachio crumble</h4> 50g (½ cup) rolled oats 40g (1 cup) Special K cereal, roughly crushed 2 Tbsp unsalted pistachio kernels, finely chopped ¼ tsp ground cardamom 1 Tbsp honey 1 eggwhite (from 50g egg), lightly whisked <h3 dir="ltr">Method</h3> <ol> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Put apple, water and sugar in a medium saucepan over a medium heat. Cover and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, covered, for 7 minutes or until apple is almost tender. Remove pan from heat and set aside, covered, for 5 minutes or until apple is tender. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Meanwhile, to make oat and pistachio crumble, put rolled oats, cereal, pistachios and cardamom in a small bowl. Add honey and eggwhite, and stir until well combined. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Preheat oven to 170°C (fan-forced). Put a 2L (8-cup) ovenproof dish on an oven tray. Add apple mixture to the dish. Sprinkle strawberries over apple mixture. Sprinkle crumble over strawberries. Bake for 15 minutes or until the topping is golden brown. Serve immediately. </li> </ol> <h4 dir="ltr">Nutrition Info PER SERVE</h4> 750kJ, protein 4.5g, total fat 3.5g (sat. fat 0.5g), carbs 30g, fibre 4.8g, sodium 47mg. Carb exchanges 2. GI estimate low.

Food & Wine

Woman reveals how to perfectly ripen avocados in just 24 hours

A popular health influencer has shared a unique avocado ripening hack, demonstrating the method in a Instagram video. Caroline Groth says the hack is "something I heard about years ago". "The kiwi actually doesn't ripen, funnily enough," she says. In the video descriptions she writes: "Guys, Green Skin + Shepard Avocado season means I legit need a spreadsheet to keep track of when I'll have avocados to eat because they take foreeeeeeeever to ripen." "But no more… insert the best 101 life hack ever," Caroline continues. She explains: "The kiwi fruit releases ethylene gas - a plant hormone that aids the ripening process - and the paper bag traps the gas so the process works faster meaning you'll have ripe avocados in 24 hours." <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CdVQwgqjU30/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CdVQwgqjU30/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Caroline Høgh Groth (@carolinehgroth)</a> </div> </blockquote> Caroline ends her video description by saying: "You're bloody welcome." Caroline makes the most of this hack, sharing recipes of some of her favourite meals using avocados including salads and variations of breakfast favourite smashed avocado on toast. Once your avocado is perfectly ripe, there is another hack that will keep it that way for longer. Cut your avocado in half and remove the stone, then it can stay fresh for longer by being placed in a container filled with cold water and then stored in the fridge. "As a major avocado lover I will definitely be using this hack," one person commented. Images: Instagram

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Cheese and bacon muffins

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Meet the woman preparing to spend three years at sea

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Princess of Wales shows off her tree-decorating skills

Princess of Wales stuns in breathtaking new portrait

Spiced apple and fig jam

The fastest way to cut fruit and veggies

Bacon and egg tarts

Best high-protein foods for your diet

Double uses for common household items

8 things you shouldn’t put in the dishwasher

Strawberry and Apple Crumble

Woman reveals how to perfectly ripen avocados in just 24 hours

News

Shop

Catalogues

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

Property

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Passengers stranded after three-year cruise abruptly cancelled

Cheese and bacon muffins

French toast in a mug

Surprising items to never take into the kitchen

Around the world three-year cruise in crisis

How to decorate with indoor plants

Meet the woman preparing to spend three years at sea

13 unusual uses for coffee filters

World first three-year cruise revealed

Breakfast Club star finally joins the baby club

Princess of Wales shows off her tree-decorating skills

Princess of Wales stuns in breathtaking new portrait

Spiced apple and fig jam

The fastest way to cut fruit and veggies

Bacon and egg tarts

Best high-protein foods for your diet

Double uses for common household items

8 things you shouldn’t put in the dishwasher

Strawberry and Apple Crumble

Woman reveals how to perfectly ripen avocados in just 24 hours

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