Wattle Creek has been on my TBR pile for quite some time but because it’s been getting a little out of hand this one slipped out of sight for a while. In recent weeks there have been some fabulous rural releases that haven’t quite made it to my shelves yet and I think that’s what made me so itchy for a rural that I couldn’t get involved in anything else, so I knew it was time for Wattle Creek and I certainly wasn’t disappointed.

The first thing that did take some getting used to was the hero, I sometimes find it hard to get into a character who shares the name of someone close to me. Don’t get me wrong, he was a well drawn character that I really came to like, and I certainly felt for. It just took me a while to not get that jolt when reading his name. I can’t explain that really, I know that there are only so many names and some are popular and some are more obscure and the character names have to fit the characters, and this one did, but I am still affected by names when they play a big part in my real life.

I grew to like these characters quite easily, I was drawn to the small town sense of community, and I identified with the small town gossip and the sense of everyone knowing your business. I found the characters to be believable for the most part but there were times I was left wondering if things didn’t go too neatly to script.

Wattle Creek was quite predictable at times and I could see from very early on how the end would play out. Yet at the same time, as I sit here reflecting, there are things that I expected to happen that didn’t and there were some unexpected turns of events.

Fiona McCallum has quite sensitively addressed the issue of depression in men in rural areas as we see Damien struggling with a feeling that he’s at a loss to explain, and in a situation that scares him enough to seek help, even as he second guesses himself at every turn. The catalyst for these feelings comes just before the small town of Wattle Creek becomes the home for young psychologist Jacqueline Havelock.

Damien reaches out to the town GP for help after almost attempting suicide, he is prescribed anti-depressants and encouraged to make an appointment with the new psychologist, due to start the following Monday. At this point nothing is really said about depression, and Damien has not confessed to his near miss.

The main focus of Wattle Creek is the journey Damien takes back from the brink. The learning to recognise what is going on, and at times we are given a real insight to some of the symptoms of his depression without them being labelled as such, and making the effort to change his way of thinking to turn his life around and make a new path. This journey was a joy to watch, and to see the happily ever after come into being was satisfying but for me I found it all a little too neat and tidy. I don’t know how much that magical lightbulb moment really happens.

I really did enjoy reading Wattle Creek, watching the changes in the characters was satisfying, seeing everyone get their happy ending was heartwarming, looking in on small town life with all the friendly welcoming of the older generation, the busy-bodying and the banding together in times of tragedy. I just think it all tied together too neatly and those who saw Jacqueline with genuine issues that we were made privy to had things become clear and everything sorted in record time, I don’t think counselling actually works quite that quickly.

I will definitely be reading Fiona McCallum again, and am looking forward to her new release Saving Grace – which just made my pile after I started this one.

This long awaited release has something for both sexes so you can take your partner and win some brownie points as you enjoy a little eye candy.

Brad Pitt plays Gerry Lane who works for the United Nations and has to fight to prevent the end of the world.

This war is caused by seriously bad zombies who are threatening to extinct the entire human race. You can take a look at the preview here:

One thing is for sure, this is set to be one action-packed movie and with a massive budget spend the visual effects are going to be impressive.

Will this be the movie of the year? We will have to wait and see but I’m actually really looking forward to this release, and not just for Brad Pitt (and happy to say that beard is gone). I do have a soft spot for an action flick that has me on the edge of my seat.

In cinemas from June 20, 2013.

You can view the Australian World War Z website here: www.worldwarz.com.au

This is a sponsored post but opinions are my own.

Having tried a few BB creams now, what really stood out to me is the smoothness of the product and the extra coverage – leaning towards being a lightweight foundation rather than a tinted moisturiser.

There are a few ingredients which make this product stand out:

• Organic Kiwi Extract -  works as an antioxidant and combats signs of fatigue while stimulating your skin cells (rich in Vitamin C).
• Katafray Extract – assists with the skin’s natural hydration process
• SPF25 – for sun protection
• Anti Pollution complex -  is exclusive to Clarins
• PA +++ – gives the skin protection from UVA rays and has anti-ageing properties.

With a growing list of BB creams on shelves, this product does go that extra mile and for those still searching for the perfect cream – this could just be it.

Available in stores now with an RRP of $50. For your nearest stockist please phone: 02) 9663 4277

I will be doing quite an overhaul because I have managed to shrink out of all my winter clothes, and I’m pretty happy about it. Who can complain, a smaller body and an excellent excuse to shop. For many years I have loved the idea of shopping but not enjoyed the reality at all, this year that has changed and I am having a wonderful time shopping – a little too often if the truth be told.

My latest expedition has been to Diana Ferrari where I have been browsing the online store and checking out all the winter offerings.

There are some gorgeous items on offer and of course I got stuck looking at boots because what winter would be complete without a new pair of boots.

If you want boots they have a glorious range of ankle boots, knee high boots, wedges, heels in black, cream, tan  … oh I could sit and look at boots all day. AND if you go over there right now they have 30% off ALL BOOTS until the 26th of May.

That’s not all, they have some great savings on denim, pants and skirts until the 26th of May, and selected dresses are $75 off until Sunday May 19th. So get in-store or head to the online boutique and check out the range.

I am on the hunt for knits this winter, and Diana Ferrari have some gorgeous knits. My favourite is the Bebe Soft Roll Neck Knit. It’s a long sleeved knit with rib detail and a big fluffy rolled neck. The knit is 46% Acrylic, 35% Polyester, 15% Wool and 4% Nylon. But what I like the most about it is the colour blend. I could definitely see myself cosy and warm in that this winter.

Head over to dianaferrari.com.au and see what brilliant bargains you can pick up this winter. My suggestion would be to do it now while there are so many specials to be had.

Malaysian cuisine is a veritable fusion of flavours from other cultures. Many of the dishes which have become favourites across the world originated in Malaysia, though that is a fact not always remembered.

One of the most famous Malaysian beef dishes is Rendang. The rempah (spice paste) is used as a marinade and simmered until the meat is tender and the gravy reduced. Rendang is a dry style curry and usually served as part of a shared meal.

Preparation Time: 25 mins
Cooking Time: Overnight marinade + 90 mins
Serves: 4

Ingredients

1.25 kg gravy beef or chuck steak, cut into 3-4 cm pieces

Rempah

3 medium brown onions, peeled, roughly chopped
3-4 cloves garlic, peeled and roughly sliced
2 1/2 Tbs ground coriander
1 1/2 Tbs ground fennel
1 1/2 Tbs ground cumin
1 tsp ground black pepper
10-15 dried chillies, seeds removed, cut into small pieces, rehydrated in hot water for 20 minutes (reserve 1 cup chilli water for cooking)
4 stalks lemongrass, white part only, dry outer layers removed, finely sliced
3 cm galangal (fattest part), peeled and finely sliced
3 cm fresh ginger, peeled and finely sliced
1 Tbs tamarind paste – easily found in a jar at supermarkets or Asian grocers
2 Tbs brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup water
1 cinnamon stick
4 cloves
6 cardamom pods
800 ml coconut milk
1 cup reserved chilli water
150g kerisik (150g desiccated coconut required – see method below)
Extra brown sugar and salt to balance at the end

Method

Combine all rempah ingredients in a blender and blitz into a smooth paste.
Pour into a large mixing bowl together with beef and mix thoroughly.
Cover, refrigerate and leave to marinate overnight or for 2 hours at minimum.
To cook, transfer meat into a large non-stick saucepan.
Add remaining ingredients except kerisik and cook uncovered on a low to medium heat until half the liquid has evaporated.
Stir occasionally to check the mixture is not catching on the bottom.
To make kerisik, simply dry toast 150g desiccated coconut in a medium frypan, tossing regularly until it develops a deep golden brown.
Transfer to a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder to grind into a grainy paste.
Add kerisik and cook until the rendang develops into a dark brown with most of the liquid evaporated and beef tender.
This should take 1 – 1 1/2 hours.
Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice and fresh cucumber.

To read Poh’s blogs, find more fabulous Malaysian recipes and learn a little more about Malaysian cuisine you can find them at: malaysiakitchen.com.au

Packaged in an elegant glass bottle, this facial mist can be used -

• -  As a gentle skin toner. Simply spray onto a cotton pad and wipe gently over face
• - For when skin is feeling a little stressed from working in an air-conditioned environment
• - For skin parched from the wintery winds
• - A pick-me-up after exercise and long flights
• - As an anti-stressing aid. The beautiful rose scent has a very calming effect

We have one bottle to giveaway to a lucky Beauty and Lace reader!

To enter, just leave a comment below telling us where you would take your bottle if you went travelling?

Competition closes 03/06/13 midnight AEST. You must be subscribed to the Beauty and Lace newsletter OR a Facebook fan to enter. Make sure you use a valid email address so we can contact you if you are a lucky winner

Terms and conditions

- All decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.
- Competition is a game of skill. Chance plays no part in determining the winner.
- Prize not negotiable, and cannot be exchanged or taken as cash.
- One entry per person
- Competition open to Australian residents only
- Entries are only valid if all required fields have been entered. No responsibility accepted for lost, late or misdirected entries.
- All entries become the property of Beauty and Lace. Your details will not be given or sold to any third parties unless required for claiming of the prize.
- We reserve the right to make changes to the prize and competition if required.
- Winners will be notified by email.

*All Planet Eve Organics products are proudly Australian Certified Organic, who have one of the strictest certifying standards in the world

What is the first writing you remember having published?

My very first publication was a creative non-fiction piece in a 2008 issue of the lit-journal Voiceworks. It was called ‘Raising Energy’ and was about Iceland’s emission-free geothermal energy industry. I remember being very excited to see my name in print on the cover. That never gets old, actually. I’m still excited to see my name in print.

Who do you think has had the greatest influence on your writing and your decision to pursue publication?

Tough question! I’ve wanted to be a writer ever since I was very little, but I remember being very inspired by Jo in Louisa M. Alcott’s Little Women. Reading that book made me think more seriously about pursuing publication, because I identified with Jo and just as publication was her aspiration, so I realised it was mine.
In terms of authors who have had a big influence on my writing, there are a few people who come to mind. I went through a phase of adoring Annie E. Proulx, and emulated her style to the point where a tutor of mine, reading one of my short stories, guessed I was an admirer. Then I went through my ‘Janet Frame stage’. Virginia Woolf cast her influence over the way I considered the internal life of characters for some time. I love reading about other writers’ processes too – Margaret Atwood’s essays are still a big influence on the way I consider and approach my own writing.

Can you tell us a little about your debut novel ‘Burial Rites’?

In 1829, in Iceland’s far north, a servant woman called Agnes Magnúsdóttir was found guilty of murdering her employer as he lay sleeping. Immediately condemned by the small community she grew up in, she was sentenced to death. She would be the last person executed in Iceland. My novel, Burial Rites, is based on these true events.

In my book, the story begins with Agnes being taken to the small farm of Kornsá, where she must remain in custody until the date of her execution. Here she meets the farmer, his wife, and their two daughters. The family are horrified to have a convicted murderess in their midst, and avoid speaking with Agnes. Only Tóti, the young assistant priest appointed as her spiritual guardian, is compelled to try and understand her. As winter descends and the hardships of rural life force everyone to work side by side, the family’s attitude to Agnes starts to change, until one night, she begins to tell her side of the story, and they realise that all is not as they had assumed.

This is an Icelandic tale, based on a true story, what can you tell us about why you decided to write this story?

I lived in a small town in north Iceland for a year when I was seventeen, as part of a Rotary Exchange. During the first dark, wintry months of my time there I happened to drive through a very striking place called Vatnsdalur. When I asked if the area was significant for any reason (it was covered in small hills that almost looked like burial mounds), my traveling companions told me that it was the site for the last executions in Iceland. They told me what they knew about the people who had been beheaded, and the murders that had led to their condemnation, and I became very curious about the woman they mentioned: a servant called Agnes. She had been the last person led out to the block. During the course of my exchange, and in the years that followed, my curiosity about this woman, and about the murders, deepened, and I ended up doing some light research into what happened.

As soon as I started this research into the murders and execution, I was struck by the way Agnes was either portrayed as a manipulative, evil woman, or was hardly mentioned at all. It was frustrating: where was the real Agnes? My decision to write about her life was triggered by a longing to find the real woman behind the stereotype. I wanted to discover something of her life story, explore her ambiguity and complexity, and counter the popular opinion of her as a monster.

‘Burial Rites’ won 2011 Writing Australia Unpublished Manuscript Award, can you tell us about the experience and was this the first competition you had entered?

I entered Burial Rites into the WAUMA award on the advice of a friend, who knew that I had finished the first draft of the manuscript. I remember protesting, arguing that I had too many deadlines coming up to re-draft the book, and that the closing date was only a week away. My friend told me to renegotiate my deadlines and spend the time working on a second draft, which is what I did. I cut about 20,000 words off the original manuscript, and entered it – along with a synopsis – into the competition 15 minutes before it closed. A few weeks later I got a phone call from Barbara Weisner, then-director of the SA Writers’ centre, informing I’d won out of over 400 entries from around Australia. I was so surprised, I remember asking someone to slap me.
The WAUMA award was the first competition I entered Burial Rites into, but it certainly wasn’t the first competition I ever entered. I have a whole folder of rejection letters, and ‘thank-you-for-entering-but-you-lost’ notices. I’m proud of them though. They make publication so much sweeter, and they remind me of how long I’m fought for it.

The book has also been sold in multiple different languages, can you tell us how many? When will the others publish? And how did that all come about?

Yes, I’m so thrilled to have my novel appear in so many languages – it’s something I never even dreamed of! I think it currently stands at sixteen languages, including Icelandic, which is especially gratifying for me personally. I know that the Dutch version of Burial Rites – De Laatste Rituelen – will be out in September of this year, but I’m not sure about the others. Probably from later this year, to the first half of next.
Burial Rites will also be published in the UK in late August, and in North America on September 10.

Do you have a set writing routine, is there something you must have to write?

Yes, when I’m writing or editing new material I always try to be at my desk by no later than 8.30am. If I can start at 7.30 I’m laughing. I’m much more a morning person than a night owl, and the writing always tends to come a little more easily, a little more organically, in the first half of the day. I’m useless between 2 and 4pm – I call these the ‘dead hours’. When writing Burial Rites I also used to aim for 1000 words of new writing each day. That way, even if the writing was terrible, there was always something to work with, or to go on with. I can’t start a morning of work without a coffee. Even if it sits there on my desk getting cold and horrible, it’s my little ritual and it seems to get me through.

Are you working on something new you can tell us about?

I’m currently researching my next book, which is still taking shape. This next one, which doesn’t have a title yet, will be set in Ireland in a similar historical time to Burial Rites – early nineteenth century. I’m not allowed to say too much about it, but I can tell you that it will again involve a crime that once occurred, and that it explores superstition.

What events and author talks do you have coming up?

I have quite a few, which I’m very excited about! I’m appearing at several sessions for the Sydney Writers’ Festival (May 20 – 26, NSW), but before then I’ll also be appearing in conversation with Angela Meyer at Readings Hawthorn (May 13, VIC), and at author events for Riverbend Books (May 15, QLD), Avid Reader (16 May, QLD), Mostly Books (May 20, SA), and Shearer’s Bookshop (27 May, NSW). I have all the details listed here: http://hannahkentauthor.com/news/2013/5/6/upcoming-events-in-may

You teach English and Creative Writing at Flinders Uni, what advice do you give to aspiring authors?

I think the best thing an aspiring author can do is read. It seems like obvious advice, but it’s really the only way you can work out what you like, find out why you like it, and see how you might start to write something similar. You’ll get a feel for things, and gain an instinct for good prose. I haven’t necessarily been writing for a long time, but I’ve been reading for a very long time – that, to me, has made all the difference in finding my own style and my own voice.

What does being a woman mean to you?

Probably not as much as some think. I love being a woman, and I’m fascinated with women’s stories – especially women’s stories that have not yet been properly told, or not yet been told by women – but being human means so much more to me. It’s the human experience that interests me as a writer.

Thanks for your time Hannah and good luck with the book tour. I look forward to your next release.

More exciting than new seasons of the shows that we already love is the anticipation of the brand new show, new characters, new stories and if we get really lucky, the discovery of some fabulous new talents.

One of these new shows is Betrayal, picked up by the ABC for their Fall schedule, I have just been checking out a trailer and it certainly looks like entertaining.

Filled with scandal, sex and hot bodies there is sure to be something for everyone in this new drama written by David Zabel of ER fame. There are some big names gracing the screen on this project and some relative newcomers.

Fans of E.T will get to see Henry Thomas (E.T.’s Elliott) all grown up as T.J Karsten, Stuart Townsend whom I loved in League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, though less so in Queen of the Damned,  as Jack McAllister, Chris J. Johnson as Drew Hadley, formerly Logan Fell in The Vampire Diaries, and if you would like a little more distinguished in your gentleman James Cromwell plays a starring role as Thatcher Karsten.

The girls of Betrayal are all new to me, though not new to the industry. Hannah Ware plays Sara Hadley in Betrayal and recently she was Emma Kane in Boss, Wendy Moniz is Elaine McAllister and comes from many TV shows, including The Mentalist, Nash Bridges, One Life To Live and Damages, the Betrayal cast also includes Elizabeth McLaughlin and Helena Mattsson.

Betrayal is all tied up with sex, scandal and murder; which inevitably leads to Betrayal and revenge.

Sara Hadley is a photographer and unhappily married to Drew Hadley, high profile prosecutor with dreams of moving into politics.

Jack McAllister is an attorney employed by a powerful family and married to Elaine, the daughter of his boss. As lead counsel for his company it will be him defending T.J. Karsten in the high-profile murder case of his father’s brother-in-law. The same case that excites Drew Hadley because it could be the case that secures his political future.

To complicate matters a recent chance meeting between Sara and Jack saw the sparks of attraction fly and refuse to be ignored. A passionate affair begins and it isn’t long before the lovers are caught on opposing sides of the murder investigation and I can only assume that not only is this investigation high profile but also very public which leaves the lovers both on a knife edge with everything to lose.

I can not wait to see how this show plays out, it certainly has me intrigued and I can’t wait to find out when we will be able to watch on Aussie screens. If the story wasn’t enough to suck me in the idea of Stuart Townsend embroiled in a torrid affair certainly would be – there has to be lots of near naked scenes to keep us ladies entertained.

The Chia Co was founded by fourth generation farmer John Foss after researching natural solutions to modern diet related diseases and discovering that the teeny seed contains ample amounts of health benefits.

Whilst there are numerous brands of chia making their eager appearance The Chia Co is the world’s largest producer of raw and natural chia seeds. Alongside the popular seed, they also have a range consisting of Chia Oil, Chia Bran, Ground Chia Seeds and Chia Shots. In short, The Chia Co is a haven for all things chia.

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Stockists – To discover more about chia seeds, The Chia Co, look up tasty recipes or to locate your nearest stockists, visit http://www.thechiaco.com.au or phone 1300 244 226 (Australia only)

Tickets go on sale Thursday May 9 so if your mum is an ABBA fan this may just be that perfect gift idea you’ve been looking for this Mother’s Day.

Newly announced shows are at Festival Theatre Adelaide on July 27, The Enmore Theatre Sydney on August 9 and The Concourse Concert Hall in Sydney on August 10. These three shows are in addition to the previously announced dates of The Regal Theatre in Perth on July 6 and the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre on July 7.

Bjorn Again has been playing to adoring audiences across the world for over 20 years. More than 70 countries and 5000 shows have seen them perform at Wembley Stadium and Arena as well as sell out shows at The Royal Albert Hall and The Sydney Opera House.

“What started out as a bit of fun snowballed into a household name worldwide – but what really blew us away was the support we got from ABBA themselves,” explains Bjorn Again founder John Tyrrell.

Get your dancing shoes on, and your lighters at the ready – except I don’t think you could do that anymore, perhaps I need to change that catchphrase to get your smartphones at the ready – and tune up your vocal chords because I can’t imagine anyone heading out to these shows and not singing along.

The unforgettable pop melodies of ABBA will be brought to life in Bjorn Again’s unique style and the premium show will feature some of ABBA’s biggest hits, including SOS, Honey Honey, Take A Chance On Me, Knowing Me Knowing You, Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Super Trouper and I’m sure many more – and I stand by the vocal chords comment because just typing those song titles had me singing the songs in my head.

Tickets to the ultimate ABBA experience go on sale from 12pm Thursday May 9

BJORN AGAIN TOUR DATES

Saturday July 6th
Regal Theatre, Perth
Matinee and Evening Performances
ticketek.com.au or Phone 132 849
Group Bookings: 1300 364 001

Sunday July 7^th
Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, WA
Matinee Performance
manpac.com.au or Phone (08) 9550 3900

Saturday July 27
Festival Theatre, Adelaide
ON SALE 12pm ACST Thursday May 9
Book at BASS outlets
www.bass.net.au or Phone 131 246
Group Bookings: (08) 8205 2220

Friday August 9
Enmore Theatre, Sydney
ON SALE 12pm EST Thursday May 9
ticketek.com.au or Phone 132 849
Group Bookings: 1300 364 001

Saturday August 10
The Concourse, Chatswood
ON SALE 12pm EST Thursday May 9
ticketek.com.au or Phone 132 849
Group Bookings: 1300 364 001

Ticket Prices*  Children: $39.50   Adults: $69.50
10% Discount for groups of 10 or more.
*A service/delivery fee, and credit card charges apply.

For more information about Bjorn Again you can find them at their Website, on Facebook and on Twitter