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Why you should think twice before asking parents if they'll have a second child

Asking a parent if they have plans for more children is most often an attempt at small talk. But for the person being asked, it can be mean much more.

Sherry's thriving balcony veggie patch started with a chilli plant

Sherry Sun's veggie garden has all the usual edible suspects: seasonal veggies, herbs and fruit trees. But unlike other veggie patches, hers grows on a small balcony, seven storeys above ground.

Keeping sex fun while trying to get pregnant

When Louise* and her partner began trying for a baby, sex was exciting and romantic. But after a few months of cycle-tracking, the loss of spontaneity became something they constantly fought over.

How Hannah stays optimistic about the future when it feels so uncertain

When the going gets tough or just repetitive, looking forward to the future can lift our spirits and momentarily transport us to another place. But what about when the future's not certain?

Rupal swapped her corporate career for cooking at 32 — and has never been happier

Rupal Bhatikar is a Melbourne chef from Goa who swapped her marketing career for culinary school at 32. Here's how she made the big change.

In The Spotlight

Know your 'good' debt from your 'bad'? Take our money quiz and find out

Want to find new ways to save money and manage your finances? Our money quiz will show you what you're doing right, plus where you could be saving more.

How to follow Indigenous protocol when bushwalking on country

The better visitors can be aware of and appreciate spiritual and cultural taboos while walking "on country", the better for us all, Steve Hodder Watt writes.

7 ways to improve your sex life today

When you're not happy with the sex you're having, knowing where to start improving it can feel overwhelming. But better sex can start with something as small as a longer goodbye kiss.

Still working from home? Doing these things can help you stay energised

If you've been feeling fatigued while working from home, you're not alone. Here are some tips for making the situation more sustainable.

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Food

recipe

These chicken sausage rolls have a secret ingredient

There are lots of juicy, sweet flavours within these sausage rolls; you may find you won't even want to dip them in tomato sauce.

15 dishes perfect for your picnic basket

Here are flavour-packed recipes from our favourites to up your picnic game.

recipe

Fire up the BBQ for this herby chicken wrap

This meal is so satisfying. The herb, lemon and garlic marinade is incredibly flavourful, creating super tasty chicken pieces that pair nicely with the fresh vegetables and cool, punchy yoghurt sauce.

Confused about induction stoves? Here's what you need to know

An induction cooktop can get dinner on the table faster than most stoves, but there are a few tricks when learning to use one.

It's best to store your eggs in their carton. Here's why

Eggs get five stars for versatility: they transition with ease from breakfast, lunch and dinner. Get the most out of them with these tips for buying, storing and even peeling eggs.

Are kombucha, switchel and water kefir really healthy alternatives?

Kombucha, switchel and water kefir are marketed as health drinks with all sorts of supposed benefits. But are they all they're cracked up to be?

recipe

A classic pasta dish that's easy to make your own

This classic Neapolitan pasta dish is a classic for a reason. It's packed with flavour and made with mostly pantry ingredients.

Sex and relationships

Keeping sex fun while trying to get pregnant

When Louise* and her partner began trying for a baby, sex was exciting and romantic. But after a few months of cycle-tracking, the loss of spontaneity became something they constantly fought over.

3 simple things Angie tried to make new friends

Making new friends is a lifelong skill, but it can be hard to keep it up. Here are three simple things to try to connect with others.

'I love how our relationship falls outside the norm': What it's like dating another person of colour

Being in a long-term, loving partnership with a fellow person of colour with similar values is something I cherish, writes Angelita Biscotti. But it isn't always easy.

7 ways to improve your sex life today

When you're not happy with the sex you're having, knowing where to start improving it can feel overwhelming. But better sex can start with something as small as a longer goodbye kiss.

Why sex after childbirth is not straightforward

Before giving birth to their first child, Julie thought she'd be having sex with her husband after the advised six-week wait. It didn't happen until a year later.

Getting what you want from dating apps without overinvesting

Not everyone has the same amount of time or interest to spend on dating apps — some folk have quite busy lives and may just pop on from time to time, writes Tanya Koens.

'Two taboos coming together': Experiencing pleasure during your period

Alison really likes having sex during her period. Not only is she "definitely hornier" at that point in her cycle, she doesn't see why she should miss out.

Money

Give time and biscuits this Christmas (and save money)

It's been a difficult year for many, with the effects of COVID-19 causing job losses and a strain on household finances. Here are some ideas for Christmas gifts this year that'll keep costs low.

Know your 'good' debt from your 'bad'? Take our money quiz and find out

Want to find new ways to save money and manage your finances? Our money quiz will show you what you're doing right, plus where you could be saving more.

Yes, you can keep doing the things you love with less money

Earning less? You don't have to cut joy out of the budget.

Where to get solid financial advice that fits your situation

The rolling impacts of drought, bushfires and the pandemic have left a lot of people in difficult situations. Where to get help depends on how dire things are.

Your next steps if the JobKeeper reduction leaves you short

Whether you're worried about your bills, debt or a mortgage, there may be options and schemes available to you.

20 frugal tips to help you live a richer life

The simple things also tend to be inexpensive, which is great for those of us trying to live more frugally — whether to save money, help the environment or both.

7 car tips to save you money and help the environment

From driving smoothly to taking off roof racks, here are some simple things that can help you save money and make your car more environmentally friendly.

Travel

Read this before booking accommodation these holidays

Booking a last-minute summer holiday? Get to understand cancellation policies first.

How to follow Indigenous protocol when bushwalking on country

The better visitors can be aware of and appreciate spiritual and cultural taboos while walking "on country", the better for us all, Steve Hodder Watt writes.

Pay with a credit card, and other tips to COVID-proof your next holiday

ABC News: Going on holiday during the coronavirus pandemic has never been more complicated, with rapidly changing restrictions causing headaches for travellers.

'Now we can really appreciate it': Why I can't wait to go camping again

As Australians re-emerge from coronavirus restrictions, Thanh-Thy Tiffany Tran reflects on a favourite family pastime: camping.

What 10 years in Tokyo taught Grace about what it means to be 'home'

In the final Australian Grace, a comment from a friend helps Grace discover what it means to be home.

'I couldn't shake the sadness': The immense loneliness of living overseas

In part five of Australian Grace, Grace Lee faces immense loneliness while 'living the dream' in Tokyo.

'I didn't know how to fit in': Feeling the weight of living overseas

In part four of Australian Grace, Grace Lee starts to feel the effects of living in a new, foreign city.

Style

The one skincare product you need when you can't afford anything else

When money is tight and bills are piling up, taking care of our skin might not be a priority. But praise be! There are inexpensive ways to look after our skin.

The beauty product Vanessa hopes her daughter won't ever use

For decades beauty corporations have been selling African and Asian consumers the idea fairer skin leads to a better life. Are these products' days numbered?

'It's radical self-love': How Chloe uses make-up to help with her chronic pain

Mindfulness certainly isn't some kind of no-fail magical cure, but with practice, it is one of the things that has helped me manage my chronic illness, Chloe Sargeant writes.

We asked 5 women how they dress for comfort (and fun) during coronavirus

Australians are prioritising comfort in their clothing choices, even as coronavirus restrictions begin to ease in some parts of the country.

How Savanna styles her favourite suit

Janelle Monae, Jonathan van Ness and Gillian Anderson all have suit-wearing down to an art. But without a celebrity stylist, it can be hard to know where to begin.

Why Molly realised a headwrap is more than a fashion statement

I loved the way I looked in hair wraps, but then I started to question whether I was appropriating cultures outside my own, Molly Hunt writes.

Isa's simple trick for making the most of hand-me-downs for her kids

If you're keen to repurpose old kids' clothing, these tips from three DIY masters might help.

Family

Why you should think twice before asking parents if they'll have a second child

Asking a parent if they have plans for more children is most often an attempt at small talk. But for the person being asked, it can be mean much more.

What not to say when talking to your daughter about clothing

First, ask yourself: why does their clothing make you uncomfortable — and who are you trying to appease?

'I stand in the shower and cry': The struggle of managing a disability and parenthood

For Kat, managing her psychological disability is a full-time job. So is parenting her eight-month-old. And making time for both doesn't add up.

Does the age you become a parent really matter? We asked three mums

The average age of becoming a mum in Australia is 29.3. But there are pros and cons of becoming a parent before or after that age, as these three mums make clear.

Corrina's family business has survived for 6 generations. This is how they've done it

Experts say it takes good communication — and sometimes, external advice — to keep things in a family business ticking along smoothly.

How Claire coped with the early stages of co-parenting

Getting used to the feeling of an empty household is just one of the hurdles of co-parenting in the early stages of a break-up.

'Infuriated optimism': What it's like to be a climate scientist and parent right now

Last summer made me wonder how I should prepare my children for climate change. So I asked climate experts who also have young children, Ginger Gorman writes.

Work

Rupal swapped her corporate career for cooking at 32 — and has never been happier

Rupal Bhatikar is a Melbourne chef from Goa who swapped her marketing career for culinary school at 32. Here's how she made the big change.

'I'm way more productive': Things to consider if you want to WFH forever

While restrictions have eased in many parts of Australia and it's safe to return to the office, you may have decided you don't want to.

Still working from home? Doing these things can help you stay energised

If you've been feeling fatigued while working from home, you're not alone. Here are some tips for making the situation more sustainable.

Amanda was paid less than her male colleagues. This is how she got a raise

When project manager Amanda found out she was being paid less than her male colleagues to do the same job, she took action.

'I used to think it was bullshit': How Josh convinced his dad on climate change

As a fourth-generation cattle farmer, Josh noticed changes on the property weren't just reflecting natural cycles. Until recently, his dad disagreed.

The 'heartbreaking' career move Sunili made for their health

Successful lawyer Sunili Govinnage left the corporate world after it become clear their chronic pain was "too difficult" to accommodate.

How Adeline deals with noises while working from home

From noisy neighbours to jackhammering, we've heard from people dealing with all kinds of disruptive home working situations. Here's what helped.

Wellbeing

How Hannah stays optimistic about the future when it feels so uncertain

When the going gets tough or just repetitive, looking forward to the future can lift our spirits and momentarily transport us to another place. But what about when the future's not certain?

'Pregnancy isn't always beautiful': Your stories of antenatal anxiety

Cassie White was miserable throughout her pregnancy. And after sharing her story, we heard from many other women who could relate.

Being a carer helped me laugh at the little things, like a chocolate eclair down a white shirt

Don't get me wrong, I was initially miffed but it didn't last long. And here's why, Briana Blackett writes.

'You're let down so many times': How Alison looked after her mental health during IVF

When Allison Prasser began IVF at of 41, she was aware getting pregnant wouldn't be easy. But she wasn't prepared for just how difficult mentally the highs and lows would be.

Are kombucha, switchel and water kefir really healthy alternatives?

Kombucha, switchel and water kefir are marketed as health drinks with all sorts of supposed benefits. But are they all they're cracked up to be?

'No-one wants telehealth to go': Why seeing a psychologist from home has proven successful

If you've been thinking of getting help for your mental health but aren't sure how it works with telehealth, this is for you.

'You are set out to sea, often alone': How Jacinta's relationships changed after she got sick

Simply being close to someone who is struggling with their health can cause complex issues and require changed tensions of a relationship, Jacinta Parsons writes.

Entertainment

Thomas has over 5 million TikTok followers — but he's sticking to his day job

When Thomas Cheung's TikTok account started to take off, he started getting approached by companies and brands. But can you really make a living as a TikTok star?

When hate-following becomes a toxic habit

With many people feeling low during the pandemic, anger can remind us we are alive. Which could explain an increase in your follow list on social media.

I've survived without a smartphone or social media. Could this be impossible soon?

The issues raised in Netflix's The Social Dilemma are partly the reason Richard Scott resists smartphones and social media. But can any of us do without them anymore?

'It's like revisiting old friends': Why Ally can't get enough of young adult stories right now

Droves of adult Australians have been turning to shows, books and games targeted at younger audiences since the start of the pandemic began.

Books to read if the magic of Harry Potter has faded

Want children's books that celebrate diversity? We've got you.

Manimekalai married a man her parents approved. Here's what she thinks after her divorce

From accepting the process to feeling torn about cultural expectation — here's what young South Asian Australians told ABC Life about the realities of arranged marriages.

Getting lost in a book can change how you think about the world

From flying on a broomstick to facing the harsh realities of racism, fictional stories can change how we feel and think about the world. And sometimes they can change our lives.

Home & Garden

Sherry's thriving balcony veggie patch started with a chilli plant

Sherry Sun's veggie garden has all the usual edible suspects: seasonal veggies, herbs and fruit trees. But unlike other veggie patches, hers grows on a small balcony, seven storeys above ground.

The trick to saving an overwatered plant

Indoor plants can drown from overwatering. Luckily, there's a simple way to save them.

How Andy keeps 1,000 cactus and succulents in his backyard alive

Andy Kepitis is horticulturist with a self-confessed succulent obsession.

Kim's power bills went from $450 to $64 a quarter. Here's how

Kim Loo grows her own food, gets eggs from her chickens and has improved her home's energy efficiency. It's all helping her reduce her carbon footprint, and it's saving her money, too.

'My hair grew back as my seeds grew': How gardening helped Perri after cancer treatment

Perri had a double mastectomy in April, the same week that COVID restrictions hit Queensland — and in the weeks following her surgery, she decided to plant a vegetable garden.

Tricks to find the best light for your indoor plants

Light is one of the most important factors when it comes to growing indoor plants well. Here are two simple ways to make sure yours are in the right spot.

Confused about induction stoves? Here's what you need to know

An induction cooktop can get dinner on the table faster than most stoves, but there are a few tricks when learning to use one.

Video

recipe

A magical apple crumble cake that's assembled in its tin

A delicious and comforting cake, where the most complex process involved is grating.

recipe

Roast a chicken and make this delicious pasta with the leftovers

This recipe's a twofer, because you can't have great second-day pan juice pasta without a fantastic first-day roast chook, writes Alice Zaslavsky.

recipe

Whip up this healthy, moreish pumpkin and cheese pasta salad

A veggie-filled pasta salad with creamy goats' cheese and nuts that's perfect for picnics or a special WFH lunch.

recipe

A simple no-flip pancake with caramel apples

Easy and fast, this pancake needs nothing more than a few ingredients. It's perfect for a long, lazing, weekend breakfast.

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Comforting tomato soup with easy cheese dumplings

In winter I turn to canned tomatoes to create a deeply flavoursome soup, writes Hetty McKinnon.

recipe

Tuck into this Italian-inspired tray bake with sausages and potatoes

A delicious, filling sausage bake made of really simple ingredients from Julia Busuttil Nishimura.

Jorja has 1,000 indoor plants. This is how she cares for them

The love of plants is valuable and precious, Jorja Thomson says. This is how she keeps her 1,000 dependants happy and healthy.