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3 cholesterol myths debunked

For years, cholesterol has been seen as the villain in your diet – responsible for many of the health woes people experience daily. But many of the “facts” about cholesterol are actually just misconceptions. So let’s clear up some of these myths now. As with everything to do with your diet, any major changes should be made in consultation with your healthcare professional or a nutritionist to make sure it’s right for you. Cholesterol is bad for you Just like cake, cholesterol should be enjoyed in moderation. Interestingly, it actually performs many important functions. It helps produce cell membranes, vitamin D, hormones, and helps with digestion. It also plays a role in helping to form memories. And, believe it or not, cholesterol is naturally created by your body. So most of the cholesterol in your bloodstream is not there because of your diet. Eggs are the enemy People with high cholesterol levels used to be advised to avoid eating too many eggs, but they’ve recently been put back on the “safe list.” Research at Yale University actually showed that even people with coronary heart disease could eat two eggs each day for six weeks without any effect on their cholesterol levels. Low-fat diets are the best While saturated fats do increase the “bad” cholesterol (LDL), it also increases the levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL). A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine showed no link between the consumption of saturated fats and an increased risk of heart attacks. Foods that are high or low in saturated fat can have a positive, negative, or neutral effect on your body – it all depends on the type of food. A diet that is low in carbohydrates is more effective at raising the levels of “good” cholesterol in your system. Image credits: Getty Images

Body

Billy Joel lists New York estate for $73 million

Legendary rocker Billy Joel is <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/music/billy-joel-in-tears-over-career-announcement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">saying goodbye to The Big Apple</a> as he prepares to sell his jaw-dropping estate. The New York native’s property on the affluent Oyster Bay Harbour has a price guide of a staggering US$49 million (AU$73.4 million). According to the Wall Street Journal, the 26-acre estate comprises the original 14-acre property Joel bought for $22.5 million in 2002 and the adjoining area he’s purchased over the years. The property covers more than 600m of frontage on Centre Island, with the focal point of the estate being the 1,858 sqm main house with breathtaking water views. The home includes five bedrooms, six bathrooms, two half-baths, a playroom, a spa and hair salon, a bowling alley, and a wine centre. There is also an indoor pool, which the Piano Man singer has covered up to use as a music room as it offers fantastic acoustics, according to listing agent Bonnie Williamson, of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty. Parts of the main house are under renovation and are expected to be finished over the next several months. The magnificent estate also has a three-bedroom beach house, a three-bedroom guest apartment, and a four-bedroom gatehouse. Other amenities include a floating dock and boat ramp, two outdoor pools, and a helicopter pad. Image credit: Getty / Realestate.com.au

Real Estate

Billy Joel in tears over career announcement

American singer and ‘Piano Man’ Billy Joel is set to conclude his “extraordinary” Madison Square Garden residency with his 150th lifetime show. Joel, MSG CEO James Dolan, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams were at a press conference at the venue when the announcement was made, with Dolan taking to the stage to share that the first of the star’s final ten concert will take place in October 2023, with the final one scheduled for July 2024. "What Billy Joel has accomplished is extraordinary," Dolan said. "Although the residency is coming to an end, we look forward to an exciting closing run to celebrate all that you have accomplished and forever welcoming you back home to the garden anytime, anytime you like." An MSG Entertainment representative went on to discuss Joel’s time at the venue - with the singer having headlined over 60 times more than any other artist, and having sold more than 1.6 million tickets - before a video tribute was played in his honour, prompting another round of tears from him. In the wake of the announcement, Joel went on to offer his own words, telling the crowd, “Madison Square Garden is more than just our office, it's our home. "I'm kinda flabbergasted it lasted as long as it did. "It's hard to end – even 150 lifetime shows, but as I said, we're not abandoning New York, we're just spending a bit more time someplace else.” Reportedly, Joel’s team had advised him that the show could have gone on, but he had reached the decision that it was time to bring it to a close. “It keeps selling, people keep coming, people keep buying tickets,” he said, “[but] I'm now 74, seems like a nice number to just [say] 'okay'.” And as Mayor Adams went on to share, Joel’s music wasn’t going anywhere, even if the residency was moving on. "There's only one thing that's more New York than Billy Joel – and that's a Billy Joel concert at MSG," he said. "For more than 50 years, Billy's music has defined our city and brought us together. “On behalf of 8.5 million New Yorkers, congratulations, Billy, on a historic run of sold-out shows at MSG, and thank you for a lifetime of bringing joy to us all." When the news broke on social media, fans were sad to know the performances would be over, but wasted no time in congratulating him for a job well done, and thanking him for sharing his music with the world. “All good things must come to a end,” one wrote, “congratulations on this amazing run and thank you for some special memories”. “OMG I hope to see one of your shows by then,” another shared. “You give great concerts. That final performance there will be such a heartfelt sadness for all your fans who just love hearing and seeing you perform. Billy Joel, you are amazing and loved.” And as one other told the beloved Piano Man, “incredible! Congratulations and thank you for sharing your beautiful creativity with us. You've entertained, soothed and made us think. All the best!!” Images: Getty

“I’ve written some real stinkers”: Billy Joel reveals controversial songs

Singer and songwriter Billy Joel has revealed two non “woke” songs that may not have been written given today’s political climate. The Piano Man singer is one of the best-selling musicians to date, but the 73-year-old admitted in an interview with the LA Times that if he were to do it all over again, he would take away “at least 25 per cent” of his songs. “I’ve written some real stinkers I wish I could take back,” he said, citing ‘When in Rome’ from his 1989 album Storm Front and ‘C’était Toi’ from 1980’s Glass Houses. “I don’t even speak French, so I don’t know what I was doing. Sometimes I’d get six or seven songs I thought were pretty damn good, then there’d be a couple of squeeze-outs at the end just to fill up the album. I realise now I shouldn’t have done that.” Joel released 12 successful pop and rock albums between 1971 and 1993 but then stopped writing new material, save for Fantasies and Delusions, his 2001 album of classical compositions. Joel also told the LA Times that he didn’t make that decision “based on whether it was right or wrong”. “It just felt like it was time for me to stop writing songs,” he said. “I didn’t have the same motivation anymore. You need inspiration to create good new music, and if you don’t have it, don’t bother. Get off the treadmill, for Christ’s sake.” He was asked whether he considered “the current cultural and political climate” when organising a setlist, Joel said that it crossed his mind with a song such as ‘Captain Jack’, which references “the junkies and the closet queens”. “You mean are they woke? It crosses my mind,” he admitted. “But ‘Captain Jack’ has gotten real boring to me. The verse is just two chords over and over again, and it’s this dreary story of some suburban kid jacking off at home. My mind starts to wander during the song, so I don’t do it even though people want to hear it.” He agreed that ‘Only the Good Die Young’ was also a tough sell by ‘modern woke standards’. The song, featured on 1977’s The Stranger, was written from the perspective of a young man determined to have sex with a Catholic girl. The song has not aged well by today’s standards, with lyrics such as, “come out Virginia, don’t let me wait, you Catholic girls start much too late” and “they say there’s a heaven for those who will wait, some say it’s better, but I say it ain’t”. “It’s occurred to me recently that I’m trying to talk some poor innocent woman into losing her virginity because of my lust,” Joel said. “It’s kind of a selfish song — like, who cares what happens to you? What about what I want? But on the other hand, it was of its time. This was written in the mid-‘70s, and I was trying to seduce girls. Why bulls**t about it?” Image credit: Getty

Music

“I’m so sorry”: Guy Sebastian apologises for pro-vax video

Guy Sebastian has issued an emotional apology after posting a now-deleted social media message urging Australians to get vaccinated which was part a music industry advertisement called #VaxTheNation’. In an Instagram video shared late Monday night, The Voice judge claimed the original post from #VaxTheNation had been published without his “direct involvement” and he told his followers he was “really sorry.” “I would never, ever tell people what to do when it comes to their personal health choices,” he said. <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CTetG9WlvjV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CTetG9WlvjV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by guysebastian (@guysebastian)</a> </div> </blockquote> #VaxTheNation is an advertising campaign #VaxTheNation is an advertising campaign for the music industry, urging Australians to get vaccinated so live shows can resume. Music industry heavyweights including Jimmy Barnes, Amy Shark, and the Hilltop Hoods, along with major record labels, ticketing agencies and festival organisers, have backed the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.vaxthenation.com.au/" target="_blank">#VaxTheNation</a> initiative, which was released on Monday. The campaign calls for Australians to help “stop the interruptions” to the entertainment industry and help end the cycle of lockdowns. Sebastian is promoted among the high-profile names behind the cause. But it seems Sebastian has had second thoughts and he aired these on his Instagram video, saying: “I’m sure some of you today would have seen an industry call-out with the best of intentions for our live music industry – which has been absolutely decimated – trying to find a pathway forward so that we can all assemble together again.” “While I, like everybody else in my industry, want things to get going again, it is not my role to communicate in a way that that post was communicated,” he said. “I would never, ever tell people what to do when it comes to their personal health choices. I’m very sensitive of it – not only on a public level, but even in my personal life, with people who have circumstances that they have to consider when making these choices.” Sebastian ended with a direct apology: “I just want to say I’m really sorry, it was not a post that communicated with the love or compassion which I feel is needed when it comes to addressing things like vaccinations. “I just wanted to clarify that so I could speak my truth and people would know how I actually feel.” Apology seems to have backfired It seems the apology video seems to have backfired, with many fans and fellow musos left confused by his message. Ben Lee tweeted: ‘To be honest, this is actually a really sad example of what happens when your career is dependent on trying to be all things to all people.’ Another tweeted: ‘Man, any musicians apologising for trying to get back to work by advocating for a safer audience is self defeating. Unpack your spine ya goofballs.’ And Joel Creasey tweeted: ‘But seriously, Guy trying to sit on the fence in a pandemic is a fun new move.’ Last year, Sebastian copped a similar backlash from the industry after posing with Prime Minister Scott Morrison in an unpaid role to help promote the federal government’s $250 million emergency relief package. But the botched funding was widely criticised by the entertainment industry, who were disappointed by the slow rollout - and Sebastian later told the Herald Sun he felt he’d been used as a “prop” by the Federal Government. “I copped it, because I was trying to support something I believed would make a difference. And it hasn’t, so that’s on me,” Sebastian said. “I made that decision, I’ll cop it, that’s fair enough. But it doesn’t mean I agree with how it’s been rolled out, I think it’s dismal.” Sebastian’s personal decision In a statement to news.com.au, Sebastian made his position on vaccination clear: “There is no confusion, I made the personal decision to be double vaccinated. I support the music industry initiatives to revive our industry, however, I personally don’t believe it is my place to deal in absolutes to tell people what to do in regards to their personal health choices. We need to remember to communicate with empathy and understanding. This has always been my goal.” Image: Instagram

News

Individual sticky date puddings with caramel sauce

Who doesn’t love a nice slice of sticky date pudding? Well, now you don’t even have to bother with that slicing nonsense. You can have your own individual pudding smothered in hot caramel sauce, topped with a dollop of double cream. Ingredients: Puddings <ul> <li>1 ¾ cups pitted dates, halved</li> <li>1 cup boiling water</li> <li>1 teaspoon bicarb soda</li> <li>½ cup caster sugar</li> <li>80g butter, room temperature</li> <li>2 eggs</li> <li>¾ cup self-raising flour, sifted</li> <li>½ cup plain flour, sifted</li> </ul> Sauce <ul> <li>¾ cup pouring cream</li> <li>1 cup lightly packed brown sugar</li> <li>60g unsalted butter, cubed</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>Preheat your oven to 180°C and lightly grease and line a six-cup muffin tray.</li> <li>In a bowl, combine the dates, boiling water and bicarb soda and leave aside for 10 minutes to soften. Use a fork to mash roughly.</li> <li>Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and caster sugar until pale and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating between each one. Fold in the dates and flour until well combined together.</li> <li>Spoon the mixture into the muffin pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the surface springs back when touched. Leave aside to cool in the pans for five minutes and then turn onto a wire rack to cool a little more.</li> <li>In a saucepan, heat the pouring cream, brown sugar and butter over a medium heat. Cook while stirring for five minutes, or until smooth.</li> <li>Serve the puddings on plates or in bowls with double cream, and drizzle the hot sauce over the top.</li> </ol> Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/05/individual-tiramisus/">Try these individual tiramisus</a> <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/05/plum-cake/">This plum cake is completely delectable</a> <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/05/portuguese-custard-tarts/">Portuguese custard tarts are incredible</a>

Food & Wine

Spiced sweet potato chips

These sweet potato chips are a crispy delight for when you want a savoury snack that doesn’t pack the oil and salt overload many store-bought potato chips have. Bonus: they’re simple to make. Just remember to share (preferably with us). Ingredients: <ul> <li>1 sweet potato (about 400g)</li> <li>¼ teaspoon salt</li> <li>¼ teaspoon chilli powder or cayenne pepper</li> <li>½ teaspoon ground cumin</li> <li>¼ teaspoon sugar</li> </ul> Method: 1. Preheat your oven to 190°C. 2. Peel and slice your sweet potato very thinly – the thinner you slice, the crispier your chips will be (a mandolin is great for this step). 3. Spray two baking trays with cooking spray and arrange your sweet potato slices on the trays in single layers. Coat the tops of the slices lightly with a little more cooking spray. 4. Bake the sweet potato for about seven minutes, or until the chips start to brown very slightly. Flip the slices over and bake for another seven minutes. 5. Repeat the baking process with any extra potato, then place all the cooked chips in a large bowl. 6. Combine the spices in a small bowl and pour over the chips. Toss the chips lightly to distribute the seasoning and serve. Image credit: MinimalistBaker.com Related links: <a href="http://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/02/beetroot-chips/" target="_blank">Have you tried our baked beetroot and rosemary chips?</a> <a href="http://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/02/zucchini-chips/" target="_blank">These baked zucchini chips are so moreish</a> <a href="http://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/02/baked-apple-chips/" target="_blank">Want something a little sweeter? Try these baked apple chips</a>

Food & Wine

Billy Joel welcomes baby girl with wife Alexis Roderick

Billy Joel has become a father for the third time as he and his wife Alexis Roderick welcomed their baby girl into the world. On Sunday, the 68-year-old musician and his wife became parents to their second child together. On Instagram Billy wrote, “Billy Joel and wife Alexis welcomed their second daughter, Remy Anne, on Sunday, October 22nd.” <blockquote 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: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BanTt3gDMCF/" target="_blank">Billy Joel and wife Alexis welcomed their second daughter, Remy Anne, on Sunday, October 22nd. Remy Anne Joel entered the world at 7:50PM weighing 7lbs, 3 oz. Billy and Alexis are also parents to Della Rose, 2. Billy Joel and his 31-year-old daughter, singer/songwriter Alexa Ray Joel, were both at Alexis’ side as she gave birth at New York University Hospital in New York. Alexis and Remy are doing well and everyone is thrilled. Photo by Myrna Suarez (@myrnasuarezphoto)</a> <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 post shared by Billy Joel (@billyjoel) on Oct 23, 2017 at 7:35pm PDT </div> </blockquote> "Remy Anne Joel entered the world at 7:52PM weighing 7lbs, 3 oz. Billy and Alexis are also parents to Della Rose, 2." "Billy Joel and his 31-year-old daughter, singer/songwriter Alexa Ray Joel, were both at Alexis’ side as she gave birth at New York University Hospital in New York,” the post continued. "Alexis and Remy are doing well and everyone is thrilled." In July 2015, Billy and Alexis got married, one month before she gave birth to their first child Della Rose. The couple surprised guests at their annual 4th of July party by exchanging vows in front of their family and close friends. Billy recently raved about the good behaviour of Della Rose to the Belfast Telegraph. "She sleeps through the night. I hope the next one will.” In 2015, when Della Rose was born Alexis posted a cute photo on Instagram and wrote, “Della Rose Joel. Thank you for all the love! She's absolutely perfect!” <img width="499" height="338" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/44698/3_499x338.jpg" alt="3 (17)"/> “Busy, busy, here at the Joel home but I wanted to share a pic. Love, Alexis.”

Music

Billy Joel shares exciting news

Billy Joel is set to become a dad for the third time, at the age of 68. The Piano Man singer confirmed he and wife Alexis Roderick, 36, are expecting their second child together. Joel also has a 31-year-old daughter Alexa with ex-wife and model Christie Brinkley. "We are due next month," he told the Belfast Telegraph. Joel went on to say his idea of fun was hanging out with the couple's two-year-old daughter, Della Rose. "She's a hoot. She's a funny kid. She loves to laugh. I like to make her laugh." The couple welcomed Della in August 2015, a little more than a month after they married in a surprise ceremony held at their home in Long Island. The six-time Grammy winner and Roderick, a former Morgan Stanley executive and accomplished equestrian, met in 2009. Roderick is Joel's fourth wife. In the interview Joel, who performs monthly shows at Madison Square Garden in New York City, also spoke about his dislike of President Donald Trump. He said he often drives past his New York home while riding his motorbike, and flips the finger. "I do that all the time," he says. "It is probably on film somewhere. I'm sure they've got cameras all over the place. I'm not a fan. I think he's got a pretty thin skin. I don't think he is very happy in the job. I don't know what he's doing there. And neither does he." Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz.</a>

Music

How to avoid catching a bug from your hotel room

There’s not much worse than spending months, or even years planning and saving for that big holiday – your grand adventure – only to be felled by a nasty bug as soon as you arrive. While hotels do freshen up rooms between guests, you never know if the occupants just before you were in tip-top health. They may have left behind some germs the housekeeping staff might not have caught when they changed the sheets and vacuumed the floors. You don’t want to waste time lying around feeling sorry for yourself in your hotel room, so we’ve got some tips to help de-germ your hotel room as soon as you check in. Bring your own disinfectant Either pack in your bag, or buy it at the airport when you arrive, a travel-size disinfectant spray, and some alcohol wipes couldn’t hurt either. Put your bags down – now what? Wash those hands! You’ve just spent time in the airport, maybe a taxi or shuttle bus or public transport. Before you do anything else, wash your hands so you don’t spread any of those germs around. Disinfectant time While you’re in the bathroom, give the toilet a spray with your disinfectant spray as it’s the biggest source of germs. Use your wipes to clean any frequently-touched places like taps, doorknobs, light switches, the phone and clock. Hands off If you know what’s good for you, you’ll avoid touching the curtains – they trap a lot of debris and allergens, building up germs over time. The same goes for the carpet, so it’s best to wear socks while you’re walking around. Know the hotel’s reputation Before you make a booking, you might want to check online review sites to find out if any guests have reported noticing cut-corners in the room’s cleanliness. If someone found dirty sheets or a less-than-pristine bathroom, chances are you could too.

International Travel

Iced VoVo-inspired coconut and jam slice

Taking inspiration from the classic Iced VoVo biscuits, this slice has a light, crumbly base with a delicious jam and marshmallow topping. Ingredients: <ul> <li>⅓ cup caster sugar</li> <li>1 cup desiccated coconut</li> <li>1 cup plain flour</li> <li>150g butter, melted</li> <li>⅔ cup jam (strawberry or raspberry)</li> <li>1 packet marshmallows</li> <li>3 Weet-Bix, crushed</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>Preheat your oven to 180°C, and grease and line a 20cm by 30cm slice tin with baking paper.</li> <li>Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl.</li> <li>Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour in the melted butter. Use a wooden spoon to mix until evenly combined.</li> <li>Transfer the mixture into the slice tin and use the back of a spoon to press into an even layer.</li> <li>Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown. While it’s baking, cut your marshmallows into thinner slices (used a pair of kitchen scissors sprayed with cooking spray to make this easy).</li> <li>Allow the base to cool for a minute or two and then spread with your jam of choice. Add the marshmallow slices and pop the slice back into the oven for five to 10 minutes, or until the marshmallows start to brown slightly. (Optional: sprinkle a little extra desiccated coconut on top before the marshmallow cools)</li> <li>Allow to cool to room temperature in the pan and then cut into squares.</li> </ol> Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/10/peach-and-weet-bix-muffins/">Peach and Weet-Bix muffins</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/12/peach-popsicles/">Peach popsicles</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/12/peach-jam/">Traditional peach jam</a>

Food & Wine

Pommes Anna

This classic French dish of sliced and layered potatoes is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and delicious all the way through. It’s so simple to make, too, which is always a nice bonus when you’re after a new side dish. Ingredients: <ul> <li>1kg desiree potatoes</li> <li>225g butter, melted</li> <li>Freshly ground salt and pepper to taste</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>Peel your potatoes and then slice them very thinly (a mandolin comes in handy for this step).</li> <li>Preheat your oven to 200°C, then rinse your potato slices in a colander to get rid of any starch. Pat dry on a clean cloth.</li> <li>Generously grease the base and sides of a baking dish or ovenproof fry pan with melted butter and arrange the potato slices in overlapping circles. Brush each layer with butter and season with salt and pepper as you go.</li> <li>Cover with a lid or foil and bake for between 45 minutes and an hour. Test the potatoes with a skewer to see if they’re tender.</li> <li>Remove from the oven, invert onto a serving dish and serve in wedges (like a cake).</li> </ol> Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/03/bubble-and-squeak/" target="_blank">Use your leftover veggies to make these bubble and squeak croquettes</a> <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/03/goats-cheese-tart/" target="_blank">Try this goats cheese and herb tart</a> <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/03/chicken-kiev/" target="_blank">After a classic? Go for chicken kiev</a>

Food & Wine

4 simple tips to speed up your metabolism and burn more calories

You’ll often hear naturally lean people praising their very active metabolism for their physique. We understand that this can be a frustrating thing to hear, especially when you’re trying to lose weight yourself, but your metabolism seems to be fighting you. Well, it’s time to fight back. We’ve done our homework and found four simple things you can do in an effort to speed up your metabolism and burn calories more efficiently. Chill out Studies have shown that if you’re sleeping in a room cooler than 19°C, you can double the amount of brown adipose tissue, which is a type of fat that burns instead of storing calories. This “brown fat” becomes active in cooler temperatures to help keep our bodies warm. Some researchers are so convinced of the benefits of being a little chilly, that they don’t put on coats until the temperature drops below 13°C. Nuts galore Steer clear of those pre-packaged “healthy” snacks and go for one that nature’s prepared for you: nuts. Some research suggests that polyunsaturated fatty acids, like those found in walnuts, may enhance the activity of the genes that control fat burning. Try to eat a small handful of walnuts each day. Timing is everything If you like to exercise outdoors regularly, then it’s more beneficial to do so earlier in the day. People who soak up more sunlight in the early part of the day have a lower body mass index (BMI) than those who spend time in the sun in the afternoon. It’s been suggested that this is because early morning sunlight helps regulate your circadian rhythm – which is responsible for loads of things within your body: how much food you eat, how well you sleep, and how much energy you burn. Carbs count While low-carb diets consistently out-perform low-fat ones, many people accept this as a sign that they should eliminate any and all carbs. But this is perhaps not the wisest choice to make. If you’re someone who likes to exercise, you’ll need carbs to give your muscles the glycogen they get from carbs. If the carbohydrate stores in your body aren’t there, you won’t have the energy to exercise as intensely, which means you’ll burn fewer calories. Try to fit in one serving of carbohydrates with each meal – think brown rice or sweet potato. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/mind/2016/06/trick-to-make-you-a-morning-person/">The 4 tricks guaranteed to make you a morning person</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/body/2016/06/herbal-remedies-to-beat-insomnia/">3 herbal remedies to beat insomnia</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/finance/insurance/2016/06/10-foods-to-help-you-get-to-sleep/">10 foods to help you get to sleep</a>

Body

Cheese and bacon baked potatoes

The ultimate side dish awaits you! Combine potatoes with delicious bacon and your favourite cheddar cheese for a versatile dish you’ll be cooking over and over again. Serves: Four Ingredients: <ul> <li>450g potatoes, cut into chunks</li> <li>2 to 3 rashers of shortcut bacon, roughly sliced</li> <li>2 garlic cloves, minced</li> <li>100g cheddar cheese, grated</li> <li>Dill to serve</li> <li>Freshly ground salt and pepper to taste</li> </ul>

Food & Wine

5 plants that will keep your home smelling lovely

For some people, the scents that accompany store-bought air-fresheners, candles, and wax melts are overpowering and headache-inducing. And while simple fresh air is lovely to have in the house, sometimes you feel like doing more than just opening your windows right up. So we’ve got some plants you should consider keeping around your home if you want to keep the air fragrant without being overpowering. Top tip: Position any of these plants by a window that gets a breeze for delicious wafts of subtle scent. Basil: While you’re probably used to using this in dishes, you might not have realised you can get many different scented varieties of this beautiful herb. Try lemon or lime scents for a fresh, clean aroma. Lavender: Not just a pretty face, lavender is another gorgeous-smelling herb with a deep, sweet scent. Geraniums: With members of the geranium family smelling like everything, including orange, nutmeg, and chocolate, these gorgeous flowers can add colour and fragrance to your home. Mint: We all know that mint is a great way to freshen up one’s breath after a meal, but its potently clean, fresh cent makes it a great way to freshen up the air in your kitchen or bathroom. Anise hyssop: This one’s just for the liquorice fans, because it has a distinct liquorice smell and taste. You can actually eat this plant – it’s great as an unusual flavour enhancer for salads. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/05/uses-for-hydrogen-peroxide-at-home/">28 great uses for hydrogen peroxide at home</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/04/most-common-stains-on-furniture-revealed/">Most common stains on furniture revealed</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/04/infographic-house-cleaning-schedule/">The ultimate house cleaning schedule</a>

Home & Garden

6 year old performs a delightful rendition of Billy Joel’s Piano Man

Ethan’s only six years old, but he’s already quite a pianist. And while he may be on the Autism spectrum, he doesn’t let that hold him back at all. Watch him perform a delightful rendition of Billy Joel’s Piano Man with his father in the video above. Nice work Ethan! Video credit: YouTube / Allison Ziering Walmark Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/02/two-nuns-ski-cross-country/">Two nuns ski cross country in habits</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/02/prince-charles-receives-rare-photo-of-queen-elizabeth-ii/">Prince Charles receives rare photograph of Queen as a teenager</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/02/pictures-that-capture-life-above-and-below-the-sea/">15 breathtaking pictures that capture life above and below the sea</a>

News

7 handy home hacks

Sometimes we at the Over60 office find ourselves with so many handy hints crammed into our head, that we forget them all. So as we think of them, we’ve been jotting them down to provide you a list of seven handy hints and tricks to help out around the house. Citrus-fresh For a fresh citrus aroma without burning candles or oils, simply put your orange or lemon peels down the garbage disposal. It’s a cinch and the smell is to die for. Brand-new board If your light-coloured plastic or wooden cutting board has some stubborn food stains on it, cut a lemon in half and use it to rub down the surface. Leave the board to sit for 20 minutes, then wash the lemon juice off. The food stains should be gone, leaving you with a new-looking board. Simple degreaser Got an unsightly grease stain on some clothes? Simply rub some chalk over it to lift it right out. No more dusting If you’ve got high cupboards with out-of-reach tops that are always getting dusty, place a layer of baking paper on top and let it catch the dust instead. Every few months, carefully remove the paper and put a fresh one in its place. Instant freshness When replacing a roll of toilet paper, place a few drops of your favourite essential oil across one end of the roll. This should act as an instant air-freshener every time you use a sheet. Microwave cleaner Put water and vinegar in a bowl, and microwave for 10 minutes until the water evaporates. The steam will soften any food remnants that may have splattered on the inside of the microwave, and you can wipe it all away with one easy stroke. Wooden cabinet deep-clean If you have wooden cupboard doors that have seen better days, make a mixture of bicarb soda and vegetable oil. Use an old toothbrush to scrub any dirty crevices of the cupboard door and make the wood look a little fresher. Homemade air-freshener In a simple spray bottle, mix 1/8 cup of your favourite-smelling fabric softener, 2 tablespoons of bicarb soda and hot water. Give the whole thing a shake and you’re ready to go.

Home & Garden

5 nearly indestructible indoor plants

If you love the idea of keeping plants in the house, but find you can never seem to keep anything green for more than a couple of weeks, you might want to try one of these plants that you can essentially neglect without killing. Succulents There are so many different kinds of succulents available that you could fill your home with them and not have two that look the same. They enjoy sunlight and dry air, and typically only require weekly watering – just make sure to check the soil is dry before adding more. Air plants A beautiful plant you barely have to water? Check. No soil required? Check. Go out and get yourself an air plant. You can simply place them in a decorative vase, or just leave them on a shelf. You’ll just want to soak them in water for a few hours every 10 days or so. Begonias With a bevy of different foliage colours available, these summer favourites are sure to look great at your place. Leave their soil to dry out before watering them and enjoy the colour. Cast-iron plant This plant will stand up to drought conditions if it has to, so if you’re really really bad at remembering to water your plants, this hardy beauty might just be for you. Chinese evergreen The Chinese evergreen is able to withstand a lot of mistreatment (though we don’t recommend it – that’s just mean). Pick out your favourite variation and eave it somewhere with low to medium light. Make sure you check the soil – when it’s dry, add water.

Home & Garden

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4 simple tips to speed up your metabolism and burn more calories

Cheese and bacon baked potatoes

5 plants that will keep your home smelling lovely

6 year old performs a delightful rendition of Billy Joel’s Piano Man

7 handy home hacks

5 nearly indestructible indoor plants