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No more brown leaves: sage advice from a gardening expert

We’ve all been there before. We’re watering our seemingly healthy houseplant when suddenly there it is: a tinge of brown on the plant’s leaf. Yikes. But what do brown tips on leaves mean for your plant, and what can you do to make them go away? Read on to find out. Lack of water or humidity If your plant is sporting crispy, dark, or brown tips on its leaves, it may mean you need to water more often. Check the soil moisture and slowly reduce the number of days in between watering. Watch your plants for signs of improvement. Lack of humidity could also be the cause. Tropical plants prefer higher humidity levels than we have in our homes. When we turn on the heat in winter, there’s even less moisture in the air. Group plants together so that as one loses moisture through its leaves, the neighbours benefit. Or place plants on saucers or trays filled with pebbles and water. Set a pot on the pebbles above the water. As the water evaporates, it will increase the humidity around the plant, where it is needed. Lack of nutrients A lack of key nutrients may be behind the brown tips on leaves of your plant. Burned-looking leaf tips, or old leaves with dark green or reddish-purplish colouring, may indicate a phosphorus deficiency. With a potassium deficiency, you may see yellow or brown along older leaf tips and edges, yellowing between veins, curling leaves, or spotting. For potted plants, add a slow-release type of fertiliser to the soil mix before planting. Every time you water, a little fertiliser is released, providing a steady flow of nutrients. But depending on the growing conditions and number of plants in the container, a midseason boost may be needed. Stay on top of your fertiliser applications by making notes on a calendar. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/gardening-tips/why-does-my-plant-have-brown-tips-on-the-leaves" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home & Garden

“I love you! My King”: Christine Brown praises new boyfriend

Christine Brown has taken to the internet to express just how much she loves her new boyfriend, David Woolley. Woolley shared on Instagram a snap of a mirror where the Sister Wives star, 50, had written, “I love you! My King.” "I love how thoughtful Christine is and all the little things she does for me ❤️#christinebrown #soulmate #myqueen #mylove," he captioned the image. <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/CpvTG5pOqpx/?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/CpvTG5pOqpx/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by David Woolley (@david__woolley)</a> </div> </blockquote> That same day Brown shared a sweet photo of the couple holding each other in a booth. Alongside the picture, Brown praised Woolley, captioning the post, "I can't express how amazing it's been to have David in my life," she wrote. "He's an incredible man and he treats me like his Queen.” <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/CptKn9hvIsd/?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/CptKn9hvIsd/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Christine Brown (@christine_brownsw)</a> </div> </blockquote> Brown went public with Woolley on Valentine’s Day 2023 and has shared several photos of the pair. I finally found the love of my life, David," she shared on Instagram. "The first time he held me close, it felt like my soul took its first breath." Brown, "He's wonderful and kind, incredible with my children and an adorable grandpa. I never dreamed I could find a love like this.” Brown’s relationship with Woolley is her first since her divorce from her husband of 25 years, Kody Brown. Christine said it had been “awkward” dating again more than a year after the split. Brown has certainly gotten past the awkwardness as she proudly praises her boyfriend online. It’s safe to say the pair are seriously smitten. Image credit: Instagram

Relationships

7 things you didn’t know your rice cooker could do

You’d be forgiven for thinking that the humble rice cooker is a one trick pony. After all, the name implies that it performs a highly specific function with no mention of anything else. Interestingly, though, the rice cooker can be used for a whole range of culinary tasks far above and beyond booking your long grain. Here are seven of our favourite dishes to cook in the rice cooker. <ol> <li>Frittata – Perfect frittata by simply switching to the cook setting, heat olive oil, add veggies followed by beaten eggs, cover and reset to let the cycle run through.</li> <li>Macaroni and cheese – Super simple with minimal mess. Add all the ingredients and set to cook. Perfect mac and cheese with no washing up!</li> <li>Rice pudding – Cook in the same way you’d usually cook your rice, just make sure to stir every 15 minutes or so.</li> <li>Cheesecake and banana bread – Prepare your recipe as you usually would and then pour the batter into the lined rice cooker insert.</li> <li>Porridge – Wake up to perfect porridge every time! Presoak steel cut oats overnight in the rice cooker then run the cook cycle in the morning for creamy, delicious porridge.</li> <li>Quinoa – If you fancy jumping on the quinoa train, try cooking it in your rice cooker. It cooks at the same rate as long grain white rice so makes the perfect substitute that doesn’t require any fiddly programming changes.</li> <li>Polenta – Create creamy polenta by adding one cup of polenta to three cups of liquid and set to cook. Add cheese or butter at the end and you’re done.</li> </ol> Have you ever used your rice cooker to cook something other than rice? Share your experience with us in the comments below. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/08/your-bed-sheets-could-be-making-you-sick/">Your bed sheets could be making you sick</a> <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/08/how-to-clean-your-bathroom-like-a-professional/">How to clean your bathroom like a professional</a> <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/08/ways-to-ripen-your-avocado-in-minutes/">5 ways to ripen your avocado in minutes</a>

Home & Garden

Why does my plant have brown tips on the leaves?

A healthy philodendron plant with green leaves We’ve all been there before. We’re watering our seemingly healthy houseplant when suddenly there it is: a tinge of brown on the plant’s leaf. Yikes. But what do brown tips on leaves mean for your plant, and what can you do to make them go away? Read on to find out. Lack of water or humidity If your plant is sporting crispy, dark, or brown tips on its leaves, it may mean you need to water more often. Check the soil moisture and slowly reduce the number of days in between watering. Watch your plants for signs of improvement. Lack of humidity could also be the cause. Tropical plants prefer higher humidity levels than we have in our homes. When we turn on the heat in winter, there’s even less moisture in the air. Group plants together so that as one loses moisture through its leaves, the neighbours benefit. Or place plants on saucers or trays filled with pebbles and water. Set a pot on the pebbles above the water. As the water evaporates, it will increase the humidity around the plant, where it is needed. Lack of nutrients A lack of key nutrients may be behind the brown tips on leaves of your plant. Burned-looking leaf tips, or old leaves with dark green or reddish-purplish colouring, may indicate a phosphorus deficiency. With a potassium deficiency, you may see yellow or brown along older leaf tips and edges, yellowing between veins, curling leaves, or spotting. For potted plants, add a slow-release type of fertiliser to the soil mix before planting. Every time you water, a little fertiliser is released, providing a steady flow of nutrients. But depending on the growing conditions and number of plants in the container, a midseason boost may be needed. Stay on top of your fertiliser applications by making notes on a calendar. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/gardening-tips/why-does-my-plant-have-brown-tips-on-the-leaves" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home & Garden

Baked rice custard

As featured in the Over60 cookbook, The Way Mum Made It, Patricia Smith says of her recipe, “I used to make this for my three daughters and then I started making it for my five granddaughters and five grandsons — they all love it and request it whenever they come over to my place.” Serves: 4–6 Ingredients: <ul> <li>2 cups milk</li> <li>2 egg yolks</li> <li>300 ml cream</li> <li>1½ cups cooked rice, rinsed, drained</li> <li>½ cup caster sugar</li> <li>½ teaspoon cinnamon</li> <li>1 teaspoon vanilla extract pinch of nutmeg, plus extra to sprinkle</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>Preheat the oven to 180°C.</li> <li>Combine the milk, egg yolks, cream, rice, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg in a bowl.</li> <li>Pour the mixture into a ceramic ovenproof dish. Stand the dish in a baking dish with enough water to come halfway up the sides. Bake in the oven for 40 minutes, or until the custard is set.</li> </ol> Remove from the oven and set aside for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm. Image: Getty

Food & Wine

Chickpea curry

Perfect for dinner through the week, this chickpea curry isn’t just tasty; it’s also healthy, cheap and filling. Serves: 2 Ingredients: <ul> <li>1 tablespoon oil</li> <li>1 onion, chopped</li> <li>1 garlic clove, crushed</li> <li>¼ teaspoon salt</li> <li>½ teaspoon cumin powder</li> <li>¼ teaspoon coriander powder</li> <li>¼ teaspoon turmeric powder</li> <li>¼ teaspoon red chilli powder</li> <li>1 fresh tomato, chopped</li> <li>400g tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed</li> <li>5cm piece root ginger, grated</li> <li>Pinch of garam masala </li> </ul> Method: 1. Heat a deep saucepan (with a lid) and add the oil. Cook the onions and garlic, until the onions are caramelised. 2. Add the salt, cumin, coriander, turmeric and red chilli powders. Mix for a minute and tip in the tomato. Cook the sauce until it begins to thicken. 3. Add four tablespoons water and stir. Then tip in the chickpeas and mix. Cover and simmer for five minutes. Then add the ginger and the garam masala. Cook for another minute. TOP TIP: Best served with rice. Image: Getty

Food & Wine

Tributes for beloved EastEnders actress

The beloved EastEnders actress June Brown has passed away at the age of 95. June’s devastated family announced the heartbreaking news of her passing on April 3, saying she “died peacefully” at home. “We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved June Brown, OBE, MBE, sadly passed away last night,’ the official EastEnders Twitter account wrote on Sunday. “There are not enough words to describe how much June was loved and adored by everyone at EastEnders, her loving warmth, wit and great humour will never be forgotten. “I would watch, listen and be totally captivated by her. She was an inspiration and I am truly blessed to have worked with and laughed with this unbelievably talented lady, icon, legend. “The irreplaceable June Brown.” June was best known for her role as Dot Cotton in EastEnders, a role she played for more than 30 years. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 1/3“We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved June Brown, OBE, MBE sadly passed away last night. There are not enough words to describe how much June was loved and adored by everyone at EastEnders, her loving warmth, wit and great humour will never be forgotten... <a href="https://t.co/7OYtHJiIUb">pic.twitter.com/7OYtHJiIUb</a> — BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) <a href="https://twitter.com/bbceastenders/status/1510955197106958339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> RIP June Brown, 95. A wonderfully talented actress whose long-time portrayal of irascible fag-puffing Dot Cotton in EastEnders was one of the all-time great performances in British Television. June was such a funny, feisty, fabulous lady off screen too. Very sad news. <a href="https://t.co/qhg2qqUdcd">pic.twitter.com/qhg2qqUdcd</a> — Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) <a href="https://twitter.com/piersmorgan/status/1510967032006602758?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I took this shot of June Brown in, what I understand to have been her final scene on ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/bbceastenders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bbceastenders</a>⁩. Love to all the cast and crew missing her. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/junebrown?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#junebrown</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/eastenders?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#eastenders</a> <a href="https://t.co/vZ57FNR8ur">pic.twitter.com/vZ57FNR8ur</a> — Christopher McGill (@McGillTweet) <a href="https://twitter.com/McGillTweet/status/1510998252933496836?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> As funny as she was wise, as wise as she was kind. When I joined Eastenders, June was the first of the older cast to embrace me. I love you June. We all do. ❤️🕊 <a href="https://t.co/MKVi0iNfGu">pic.twitter.com/MKVi0iNfGu</a> — michelle gayle (@michellegayle1) <a href="https://twitter.com/michellegayle1/status/1510958271926001668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> A very sad day. I never had the pleasure of meeting/working with the mighty June Brown - but we adored watching her on the telly box. What a legacy June leaves behind. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Eastenders?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Eastenders</a> would not have been the same without her. Love & strenght to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Eastenders?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Eastenders</a> & June's loved ones. RIP💔 <a href="https://t.co/oGv0EvelF6">https://t.co/oGv0EvelF6</a> — Balvinder Sopal (@BalvinderSopal) <a href="https://twitter.com/BalvinderSopal/status/1510964816256671745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></blockquote> Image: Getty

News

Rolling Stones forced to retire classic song

British rock band The Rolling Stones have decided to retire one of their most popular songs due to its unsavoury lyrics. The 1971 hit Brown Sugar had been cut from their current tour’s setlist, which had previously been the second-most-performed song in their catalogue. After succumbing to social pressure, the track was pulled from their live shows, as the lyrics allude to the horrors of slavery in the US, which has caused a stir during the current climate of heightened cultural sensitivity. Keith Richards, 77, was quizzed by the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2021-10-07/rolling-stones-charlie-watts-no-filter-tour">LA Times</a> about the changes to the setlist, saying, “You picked up on that, huh?” He said, “I don’t know. I’m trying to figure out with the sisters quite where the beef is. Didn’t they understand this was a song about the horrors of slavery? But they’re trying to bury it.” The first verse of the hit song depicts slaves being sold and beaten in Louisiana, with references to a “slaver” who whips “women just around midnight.” The famous chorus describes a non-consensual sexual encounter between a young female slave and the violent master, while also alluding to the use of heroin. In the next verse, the song describes the abuse suffered by slaves on a plantation. Lead singer Mick Jagger ends the tune by singing, “How come you taste so good … just like a black girl should.” “We’ve played Brown Sugar every night since 1970,” Richards told the newspaper. “So sometimes you think, ‘We’ll take that one out for now and see how it goes.’ We might put it back in.” According to <a href="https://www.setlist.fm/">setlist.fm</a>, the controversial track has been played live 1136 times, second only to Jumpin’ Jack Flash. “At the moment I don’t want to get into conflicts with all of this s***,” Richards said of criticism of the song. “But I’m hoping that we’ll be able to resurrect the babe in her glory somewhere along the track.” Mick Jagger has also previously shared his own criticisms of the song, as critics have called it “gross, sexist, and stunningly offensive.” “I never would write that song now,” Jagger told <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/">Rolling Stone</a> in 1995. “I would probably censor myself. I’d think, ‘Oh God, I can’t. I’ve got to stop. I can’t just write raw like that.’” Image credit: Getty Images

Music

Tasty rice paper rolls with persimmon

Try this delicious meal with the perfect amount of sweetness. Ingredients <ul> <li>260g dried rice vermicelli</li> <li>8 16cm round rice paper wrappers</li> <li>8 medium butter lettuce leaves, washed</li> <li>8 large cooked king prawns, peeled, de-veined and sliced in half lengthways</li> <li>24 fresh mint leaves</li> <li>1 small Fuyu (crisp) persimmon, sliced</li> <li>1 small Lebanese cucumber, sliced</li> <li>24 fresh coriander leaves</li> </ul> Dipping sauce <ul> <li>1 tbs Japanese rice vinegar</li> <li>4 tbs hoisin sauce</li> <li>1 tbs unsalted peanuts (or almonds), roughly chopped</li> </ul> Method 1. Prepare rice vermicelli as per packet instructions, drain well. 2. Combine all sauce ingredients for dipping. 3. Place one rice sheet in warm water until just softened, remove from water and place on a clean, damp tea towel. 4. Lay a lettuce leaf over the wrapper, top with two pieces of prawn horizontally, three mint leaves, a little persimmon, cucumber, rice vermicelli and three coriander leaves. 5. Fold bottom of wrapper up over the filling, fold one side in, roll up tightly. Keep rolls under damp cloth while preparing remaining ingredients. 6. Serve with dipping sauce. For more information and recipe ideas, visit <a href="https://www.persimmonsaustralia.com.au/">Persimmons Australia</a>. Republished with permission of <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/recipes/rice-paper-rolls-with-persimmon" target="_blank">Wyza.com.au.</a>

Food & Wine

The rise of the brown nomads and tips on how to do it

Grey Nomads are a stalwart of the outback campsite, but COVID has seen a surge in younger families hitting the road: the Brown Nomads. These are people whose interstate or overseas jaunts have been thwarted by closed borders, or who have been freed from the 9-to-5 grind and want to take the “work from anywhere” concept literally. However, while adventuring sounds fun, it doesn't always generate a secure income. Consider some good financial planning so you can enjoy the nomadic life and still maintain financial security. Before the trip The options for how to stretch finances depends on your specific circumstances. It's important to see a financial planner early on in this process, but there are a few general tips I can offer. Reduce debt. Pay it down as much as you can and see if consolidation makes sense. Do not carry credit card debt into this adventure. Plan your income and expenses. Income sources include savings, investment dividends, long service leave, redundancies, ongoing business, or profits from asset sales. Plan expenses, including buying your start-up gear. Many nomads budget for $1000 per week, but it varies. Once you know how much you'll need you can start planning where to take the funds from. Interrogate your tax and maximising options. If you’ve received a lump sum and want to use it to kick start your nomadic life, there may be some tax-efficient ways to stretch this amount. Consider various strategies, including a variety of superannuation strategies, consider paying down debt and investing in the name of the partner who didn’t earn an income, or earned less. Time your trip to suit your finances. Are there are any benefits to going this or next financial year based on your circumstances? Get your financial foundations in place. There are a few things you’ll need to get right as a basis for any secure financial future. These include having an emergency fund, creating a spending plan, getting the right insurances, optimising all aspects of superannuation including fees and investments inside, and having an up to date estate plan. On the trip Now you’ve hit the road and money is flying out the door and not so much is flying back in. Review your tax. With the income changes there may be tax incentives you are now eligible for. You could make a spousal superannuation contribution, which will reduce your tax bill. You may also be eligible for the Family Tax Benefit. Manage your income streams. Are you relying on income from dividends, term deposits that pay interest or rental income? Should you be? Any income linked to investments can change. Make sure you have enough money parked somewhere to see you through. Spend less money. It sounds obvious, but in my experience, people spend what they have. I’ve had clients go from spending $200,000 per year to $40,000 after switching to a nomadic life for a year. When you aren’t in the ‘rat race’ you’ll be surprised how much joy life gives you for free and all the expenses you no longer have. Use the nomad community. Experienced nomads will tell you their biggest expense is usually fuel. Find the cheapest with apps like Fuel Map Australia. Second to fuel is accommodation. WikiCamps Australia is one of many apps that has information about sites, including where the free ones are. Packing up and hitting the road does not have to cripple you financially. If you set yourself up right and plan well, you could have the adventure of a lifetime while you’re young, fit and healthy and return to a solid financial foundation. Helen Baker is a licensed Australian financial adviser and author of two books: On Your Own Two Feet – Steady Steps to Women’s Financial Independence and On Your Own Two Feet Divorce – Your Survive and Thrive Financial Guide. Proceeds from the books’ sales are donated to charities supporting disadvantaged women. Helen is among the 1% of financial planners who holds a master’s degree in the field. Find out more at <a href="http://www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au">www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au</a> Note this is general advice only and you should seek advice specific to your circumstances.

International Travel

Delicious pork belly and prawn fresh rice paper rolls

Time to prepare 20 mins | Serves 4-6 A great fresh-tasting starter or snack, and you can even get creative with the ingredients you put inside! “Although I love Vietnamese fried spring rolls, these fresh rice paper rolls are my favourite rolls to eat. They’re light and delicious and hugely popular in Vietnam as well as all around the world,” says chef Adam Liaw. Recipe from <a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/185116/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fadam-liaw-s-asian-cookery-school-adam-liaw%2Fprod9780733634307.html">Asian Cookery School by Adam Liaw</a> (Hachette, RRP $49.99) -. Ingredients: <ul> <li>300g pork belly, skin and bone removed </li> <li>1 tbsp salt </li> <li>100g dried rice vermicelli </li> <li>30 rice paper sheets </li> <li>3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce </li> <li>1 cup loosely packed mint </li> <li>1 cup loosely packed coriander or perilla </li> <li>300g cooked prawns, peeled, deveined and split lengthways </li> <li>1 bunch Chinese chives, halved </li> <li>1 cup Nuoc Cham* (see tip below), to serve</li> </ul> *If you don’t feel like making it yourself or can’t find Nuoc Cham at your local Asian supermarket then try it with sweet chilli sauce or experiment with your favourite Asian dipping sauce. Directions 1. Place the pork belly in a pot just big enough to fit it. Cover with cold water. Add the salt, bring the water to a simmer and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the pork belly is cooked through. Remove from the water and allow to cool. Thinly slice the pork into 5cm wide slices no more than a few millimetres thick. 2. Place the rice vermicelli in a large bowl and pour over plenty of boiling water. Leave for 5 minutes then drain, rinse in cold water, drain again and cut into 5cm lengths. 3. Fill a large bowl with lukewarm water and dip a sheet of rice paper into the water until it slightly softens. (It will continue to soften out of the water.) Transfer the rice paper to a plate and place a pile of pork, lettuce, rice vermicelli and some mint and coriander on the paper in a line just in from the edge closest to you. 4. Place a few prawns at the centre of the paper with the orange backs facing down and roll the paper, folding in the edges halfway along, as shown. Add a few spears of chives just before finishing the roll so the cut ends stick out of the top. Serve with Nuoc Cham. Tips: <ul> <li>Keeping the prawns separate from the other fillings is purely for presentation, so you can see the colourful backs facing outward through a single layer of rice paper.</li> <li>You don’t need to do all the work yourself – you can put the ingredients on platters on the dining table with bowls of warm water to dip the rice papers into and everyone can make their own.</li> <li>The filling of the rolls can be whatever you like. Try leftover <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/lemongrass-beef.aspx">Lemongrass Beef </a>or <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/porchetta-sliders-by-matt-moran.aspx">shredded chicken</a>. </li> </ul> Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/fresh-rice-paper-rolls.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a>

Food & Wine

Enjoy some sweet mango and prawn rice paper rolls

Enjoy a fun and sweet twist on a traditional dish. Makes: 24 Prep time: 30 mins Cooking time: 0 mins Ingredients <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">4 Calypso® mangoes</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">2 x 250g packs Qukes® peeled into ribbons </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">2/3 cup whole egg mayonnaise</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 lime, juiced</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">1 tbs hot chilli sauce</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">200g dried rice vermicelli noodles </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">36 cooked medium king prawns, peeled, deveined </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">24 (2 x 150g packets) rice paper wrappers </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">1 small iceberg lettuce, shredded</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">1 cup fresh mint leaves </li> </ul> Method <ol> <li>Cut the cheeks from the mangoes and scoop the flesh from the cheeks. Roughly chop 1 mango cheek and place in small food processor. Add mayonnaise and lime juice and pulse until well combined. Remove to a bowl and swirl through the chilli sauce. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Thinly slice the remaining mango crossways, place onto a plate and refrigerate until required. </li> <li>Prepare the noodles following the packet directions. Refresh under cold water and drain well. Return to bowl. Cut into shorter lengths using kitchen scissors. Cut the prawns in half through the centre of the prawn so they still resemble prawn shape. </li> <li>Working with one rice paper sheet at a time, submerge it in a shallow dish of luke-warm water for 3 seconds, it should still be firm. Place on a board and pat dry with paper towel to remove excess water. Place 4-5 mango slices down the centre of the rice paper sheet.</li> <li>Top with 4 Qukes® slices, 3 pieces of prawns, lettuce, noodles and mint. Fold in the sides and roll-up firmly from the end closest to you to enclose the filling. Repeat to make 24 rolls. Serve with mango dipping sauce.</li> </ol> Tip: You can make the rice paper rolls up to 2 hours ahead. Place on plate and cover loosely with paper towel and plastic wrap Recipe and photo courtesy of Calypso Mangoes.

Food & Wine

Warm up with delicious slow cooked massaman beef curry

Make sure you leave enough time to cook this delicious recipe. Serves: 6 Prep time: 30 mins Cooking time: 3 hrs 45 mins Ingredients <ul> <li>11/2kg beef chuck steak, trimmed, cut into 4cm pieces</li> <li>2 tbs olive oil</li> <li>1 large brown onion, finely chopped</li> <li>¼ tsp ground cinnamon</li> <li>¼ cup desiccated coconut</li> <li>1/3 cup (114g can) Massaman curry paste</li> <li>400ml can coconut milk</li> <li>½ cup beef stock</li> <li>1kg sweet potato, peeled, chopped into 5cm chunks</li> <li>1 tbs fish sauce</li> <li>1 tbs lime juice</li> <li>1 tbs finely grated palm sugar or brown sugar</li> <li>3 tbs roasted salted peanuts, chopped</li> <li>Steamed jasmine rice, to serve</li> </ul> Method <ol> <li>Preheat oven 130°C fan forced. Season beef with salt and pepper. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in an ovenproof casserole dish over a high heat. Add one third of the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes, or until browned. Remove to a plate. Repeat twice with oil and remaining beef.</li> <li>Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tsp oil and the onion. Cook, stirring occasionally 3 minutes until soft. Add cinnamon, coconut and curry paste. Cook, stirring 1 minute. Add the coconut milk and stock. Return the beef and any juices, bring to simmer. Press a piece baking paper onto the surface and cover with lid. Transfer to the oven. Cook for 2 hours.</li> <li>Stir in the sweet potato. Cover with paper and lid and cook, in oven a further 11/2 hours until sweet potato is tender. Combine fish sauce, lime juice and sugar and stir into the curry. Scatter over the peanuts. Serve with rice.</li> </ol> Tip: If you don’t have a cast iron casserole dish suitable for both stove top and oven, cook step 1-2 in a frying pan then transfer to an ovenproof dish to cook in the oven. Tip: The curry will keep 3-4 days in a ceramic or glass dish in the fridge. Recipe courtesy of Australian Sweet Potatoes.

Food & Wine

Fashion conspiracy: Does Prince Harry only own one pair of shoes?

The Duke of Sussex has had a busy few months in the spotlight since the birth of his first son, Archie. However, it seems not even a swarm of cameras could pick up this odd fashion choice by Prince Harry that has seemed to be a constant for the royal for the last few months. Royal fans noticed something strange about the Duke of Sussex when a beautiful photograph of him and his family at the christening of first son Archie’s baptism was shared. It wasn’t just the adorable photo of Archie that kept fans on their toes, or the beautiful smile that graced Harry's wife Duchess Meghan that got people talking – it was a pair of suede brown brogues that was spotted on the Duke’s feet. On Twitter, fans pointed out Prince Harry had been wearing the same particular pair of shoes for the past few months. “Prince Harry’s offhand manner of dressing for his son and heir’s first official outing. Is this the exact same suit and suede shoes he wore when he showed the world his son?” one eagle-eyed fan wrote. Another tweet read: “Prince Harry is wearing exactly the same suit, brown desert boots, white shirt as he wore to present Archie.” “On an unrelated note, could the Duchess of Sussex do something about how sloppy her husband Prince Harry looks?” a snarky comment read. “Start with burning those ugly a** worn out brown shoes.” It appears Prince Harry has been wearing the same brown pair of shoes for a while now – dating back to October 2018 when he visited Sussex with his wife. The Duke was also spotted in the shoes when he and Duchess Meghan touched down in Casablanca airport in February. A few days later, the royal member was sporting the brogues again while the couple visited Rabat in Morocco. The royal has proven a pair of shoes can take you a long way. Scroll through the gallery above to see the number of times Prince Harry has been spotted sporting his favourite brown pair of shoes.

News

Easy butter chicken with rice and naan

Craving a hearty meal for dinner but don’t know what to make? There’s nothing better than digging into a plate of butter chicken. The aromatic flavours and spices not only prove why this dish is a favourite, but it’s also simple to whip up. Serves 4 Prep 15 mins Cooking time 35 mins Ingredients <ul> <li>1⁄4 cup Greek yoghurt</li> <li>1⁄4 cup butter chicken paste or tandoori paste</li> <li>1 tsp ground cumin</li> <li>1⁄2 tsp ground ginger</li> <li>1kg chicken thigh fillets, trimmed, cut in half crossways</li> <li>1⁄4 cup Ghee or vegetable oil</li> <li>2 brown onions, peeled, halved, thinly sliced</li> <li>2 cups tomato passata sauce</li> <li>300ml thickened cream</li> <li>1 tsp white sugar</li> <li>Steamed rice, toasted naan bread, coriander to serve</li> </ul> Method <ol> <li>Combine yoghurt, paste, cumin, and ginger in a large bowl. Add chicken, stir until well coated.</li> <li>Heat half the ghee/ oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches, turning occasionally, for 3 minutes, or until browned. Remove to a clean plate.</li> <li>Reduce heat to medium, add onions and remaining ghee / oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes, or until onion is soft. Return chicken to pan with passata, cream and sugar. Bring to simmer. Simmer, uncovered for 20 minutes, or until sauce is thickens and chicken is cooked through.</li> <li>Serve butter chicken with rice, naan bread and coriander.</li> </ol> Tip: If you can’t find butter chicken paste you can use tandoori paste, it’s a little spicier. Tip: Ghee is clarified butter; you will find it in jars in the international section of the supermarket. Once opened store in the fridge. Use it in place of butter when working with filo pastry or cooking pancakes. Tip: Toast naan bread in a large dry frying pan over a medium-high heat or wrapped in foil in a hot oven. Recipe and image courtesy of <a href="https://www.australianonions.com.au/australian-onion-recipes/butter-chicken-with-rice-and-naan/#t5k5EYIe2pqhvj1R.97">Australian Onions</a>.

Food & Wine

How to make restaurant quality fluffy rice

Making fluffy rice that’s restaurant level quality is easier than you think. The trick is to simply wash your rice to separate the grains before you cook them. A thorough rinsing of the rice washes off any excess starch that would act as a glue to stick your grains together in the simmering and steaming process. What you'll need: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Sieve</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Medium saucepan with lid</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Fork</li> </ul> Ingredients: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">1 cup white rice</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">1½ cups water</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Place rice in a sieve and rinse really well until the water runs clear. This is a key step as it rinses off extra starch and stops the rice gluing together as it cooks.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Place rinsed rice in a saucepan with water. Bring to the boil. </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Cover with a lid and reduce to a very low simmer. Cook for 13-15 minutes. </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Remove saucepan from the heat and stand covered for 5 minutes. Remove lid and fluff with a fork.</li> </ol> Recipe courtesy of <a href="https://kitchen.nine.com.au/how-to/how-to-cook-rice/9102984c-0417-4993-8c6c-1ce8c94c59b8">Nine Kitchen</a>.

Food & Wine

Zesty persimmon prawn rice paper roll

Looking for a healthy lunch option that’s packed full of flavour? These persimmon prawn rice paper rolls are the answer to all of your cravings. Not only are they simple and easy to make, but they don’t compromise on taste. Try it out for yourself. Ingredients <ul> <li>60gm dried rice vermicelli</li> <li>8 16cm round rice paper wrappers</li> <li>8 medium butter lettuce leaves, washed</li> <li>8 large cooked king prawns, peeled, de-veined and sliced in half lengthways</li> <li>24 fresh mint leaves</li> <li>1 small firm persimmon, julienned</li> <li>1 small Lebanese cucumber, julienned</li> <li>24 fresh coriander leaves</li> </ul> Dipping sauce <ul> <li>1 tablespoon Japanese rice vinegar</li> <li>4 tablespoons hoi sin sauce</li> <li>1 tablespoon unsalted peanuts, roughly chopped</li> </ul> Method <ol> <li>Prepare rice vermicelli as per packet instructions, drain well.</li> <li>Combine all sauce ingredients for dipping.</li> <li>Place 1 rice sheet in warm water until just softened, remove from water place on clean, damp tea towel.</li> <li>Lay a lettuce leaf over the wrapper, top with 2 pieces of prawn horizontally, 3 mint leaves, a little persimmon, cucumber, rice vermicelli and 3 coriander leaves.</li> <li>Fold bottom of wrapper up over the filling, fold one side in, roll up tightly. Keep rolls under damp cloth while preparing remaining ingredients.</li> <li>Serve with dipping sauce.</li> </ol> Photo and recipe courtesy of <a href="https://www.persimmonsaustralia.com.au/recipes/">Persimmons Australia</a>.

Food & Wine

Egg fried rice

You can eat this dish by itself or as an accompaniment to meat and vegetable dishes. Serves: 4 Ingredients: <ul> <li>2 cups (400g) long-grain white rice</li> <li>2 tablespoons vegetable oil</li> <li>4 eggs, beaten</li> <li>250g (8oz) slices rindless bacon (bacon strips), trimmed and chopped</li> <li>3 carrots, diced</li> <li>8 spring onions (scallions), thinly sliced</li> <li>2 cloves garlic, crushed</li> <li>1½ cups (200g) frozen baby peas</li> <li>250g (8oz) raw prawns (uncooked shrimp), peeled and deveined</li> <li>2 cups (180g) bean sprouts, trimmed</li> <li>3 tablespoons salt-reduced soy sauce</li> <li>3 tablespoons sake or dry sherry</li> <li>3 tablespoons mirin or 1 teaspoon honey</li> <li>1 tablespoon sesame oil</li> </ul> Preparation: <ol> <li>Put the rice into a large saucepan with 3 cups (750ml) water and 1 teaspoon of the vegetable oil.</li> <li>Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is cooked.</li> <li>Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil in a wok or large non-stick frying pan over medium heat.</li> <li>Add the eggs and swirl the wok to make a thin omelette.</li> <li>Cook the eggs until set.</li> <li>Remove to a plate, cool and thinly slice.</li> <li>Add the remaining oil to the wok and cook the bacon over medium heat until cooked through.</li> <li>Add the carrots, reduce the heat and cook for 2 minutes.</li> <li>Add the spring onions, garlic and peas and cook for a further 2 minutes.</li> <li>Add the prawns to the wok, turn up the heat, and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they start to turn pink and are cooked through, then add the bean sprouts and toss well to combine.</li> <li>Add the rice and egg to the wok, then pour in the soy sauce, sake, mirin and sesame oil and mix well to combine and coat the rice.</li> <li>Stir-fry over high heat for a further 5 minutes, or until the mixture is dry.</li> <li>Serve immediately.</li> </ol> This article first appeared in <a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/recipes/egg-fried-rice">Reader’s Digest.</a> For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, here’s our best subscription <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestsubscribe?utm_source=readersdigest&utm_campaign=RDSUB&utm_medium=display&keycode=WRA85S">offer</a>.

Food & Wine

Rice pudding with apricots

Rich in flavour and wonderfully creamy in texture, this satisfying rice pudding is a modern version of a popular old favourite. It's flavoured with tangy orange zest and sultanas and paired with a cinnamon-spiced fresh apricot compote. Serves: 4 Preparation: 15 minutes Cooking: Approx. 1½ hours Ingredients <ul> <li>850ml full-cream milk</li> <li>¼ cup (55g) caster sugar</li> <li>Finely grated zest of 1 orange</li> <li>½ cup (110g) short-grain rice</li> <li>½ cup (60g) sultanas</li> <li>Ground cinnamon to sprinkle</li> <li>Apricot compote</li> <li>300g fresh ripe apricots halved and stoned</li> <li>Juice of 1 orange</li> <li>1 cinnamon stick</li> </ul> Method <ul> <li>Preheat the oven to 160°C.</li> <li>Pour the milk into a saucepan and add the sugar and orange zest.</li> <li>Heat gently, stirring, until the sugar dissolves and the milk is almost boiling.</li> <li>Put the rice and sultanas in a shallow 1.5 litre ovenproof dish.</li> <li>Pour over the milk mixture and stir.</li> <li>Bake the pudding for 30 minutes, then stir well.</li> <li>Leave to bake for a further 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the pudding is creamy.</li> <li>Meanwhile, to make the compote, combine the apricots, orange juice and cinnamon stick in a heavy-based saucepan.</li> <li>Cover and cook over a low heat for 10 minutes.</li> <li>Remove the lid and cook for a further 5 minutes, or until the juice is reduced.</li> <li>Remove the cinnamon stick from the compote.</li> <li>Sprinkle the top of the rice pudding with a little cinnamon, then serve hot, with the apricot compote.</li> </ul> This article first appeared in <a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/recipes/rice-pudding-with-apricots">Readers Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestsubscribe?utm_source=readersdigest&utm_campaign=RDSUB&utm_medium=display&keycode=WRA85S">here’s our best subscription offer</a>. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;"/>

Food & Wine

Jamie Oliver faces backlash over new product

An English MP has accused Jamie Oliver of cultural appropriation after the celebrity chef launched a new product. Jamie has released a new range of ‘punchy jerk rice’ and the £2.30 (AUD$4) product has been hit with a wave of criticism for copying an original Jamaican recipe. The MP in north west London, Dawn Butler, suggested the father of five used the word 'jerk' to increase sales of his rice. Ms Butler tweeted: “#jamieoliver @jamieoliver #jerk I'm just wondering do you know what #Jamaican #jerk actually is?" “It's not just a word you put before stuff to sell products. @levirootsmusic should do a masterclass. Your jerk Rice is not ok. This appropriation from Jamaica needs to stop.” <img width="500" height="564" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820031/1_500x564.jpg" alt="1 (179)"/> Jerk is a type of cooking that originates in Jamaica, where meat is marinated or dry-rubbed in a seasoning made up of allspice, Scotch bonnets, but usually also contains garlic, cayenne pepper and cinnamon. Some critics also slammed the chef for using ingredients that aren’t traditional. "I saw this description of Jamie Oliver's Jerk Rice. On what planet can "garlic, ginger and jalapenos" be described as 'Jerk'?" Others have been quick to jump to Jamie’s defence, arguing that the UK is a multicultural country and that cooking different cuisines isn’t the same as cultural appropriation. One person tweeted: "Now while I do think Jamie needs taking down a peg or three you're all getting very silly over this appropriation stuff." "If no one cooked/ate food from other cultures in the world what a boring life we'd lead." Replying to Ms Butler’s tweet, UK MP Neil O’Brien wrote: “If Jamie Oliver isn’t allowed to make Jerk chicken because it’s cultural 'appropriation' she’s going to go mad when she finds out about 'Jamie’s Italy'." What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.

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