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An ancient seed could prove wonders for your hair and skin

In a world of products saturated with new formulas and hero ingredients that promise wondrous benefits, it can feel overwhelming to find a product that works for you. A new contender is the oil of the humble Black Cumin seed, or Nigella sativa, which is the hero ingredient in Hab Shifa’s line of beauty products, including a body wash, moisturiser shampoo and conditioner. With its use dating back to the Ancient Egyptians and in some of the world’s oldest religious and medical texts, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2583426/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">clinical studies</a> of the Black Seed have since found it has various health benefits, thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and even anti-diabetic properties. When it comes to our skin and hair, Black Seed oil has been praised for its ability to cleanse hair of impurities while nurturing the scalp. <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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CiOcuLuNVYA/?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/CiOcuLuNVYA/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Hab Shifa Australia (@hab_shifa_black_seed)</a> </div> </blockquote> Hab Shifa takes advantage of these qualities and combines Black Seed oil with other anti-irritant ingredients, with the resulting combination helping restore skin elasticity and minimise the loss of moisture in the barriers of the skin. After trialling Hab Shifa’s products over the last few months, I can safely say the shampoo and conditioner make easy work of my hair, leaving it feeling lighter, softer, and clean even when it has been at its greasiest. The body wash and moisturiser have delivered similar results for my skin, with the scrub helping my skin feel exfoliated while the moisturiser has put an end to my usual bouts of dry skin. <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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch1t5DOLeXI/?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/Ch1t5DOLeXI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Hab Shifa Australia (@hab_shifa_black_seed)</a> </div> </blockquote> I’m not the only one who has seen the benefits of using Hab Shifa’s Black Seed oil products either. After searching for a product to help with dryness and cracking - a problem made all the worse due to increased hand-washing during the COVID-19 pandemic - nurse Margie Ryan has since made the moisturiser her go-to product, even over pharmaceutical and heavy-duty products. She says the moisturiser absorbs well and that it doesn’t feel like oils are transferred, and recommends it for anyone who works in industries where their hands are frequently in water or where they are prone to dryness or cracking. The Hab Shifa Black Seed skin and hair care range consists of the <a href="https://habshifa.com.au/collections/nourishment-tq/products/black-seed-nurturing-shampoo-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nurturing Shampoo</a> and <a href="https://habshifa.com.au/collections/nourishment-tq/products/black-seed-nurturing-conditioner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nurturing Conditioner</a>, the <a href="https://habshifa.com.au/collections/nourishment-tq/products/black-seed-revitalizing-body-wash" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Revitalizing Body Wash</a>, and the <a href="https://habshifa.com.au/collections/nourishment-tq/products/black-seed-hydrating-moisturizing-lotion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hydrating Moisturizing Lotion</a>, which retail for $19.95 each or can be purchased as <a href="https://habshifa.com.au/collections/gift-packs/products/gift-of-beauty-gift-pack" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a bundle</a> for $77.50 on Hab Shifa’s online store. To find their products in-store, head <a href="https://habshifa.com.au/pages/store-locator" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> to locate your closest one. Image: Getty Images

Beauty & Style

Wild scenes after No.1 seed slaps opponent at the net

A tennis player has been caught on camera slapping his opponent - so, is this Will Smith’s match? Michael Kouame, 15, lost to Raphael Nii Ankrah, 16, 2-6 7-6 6-7 in the first round of an ITF juniors tournament in Accra, Ghana’s capital. The pair met at the net to shake hands before Michael slapped Raphael in the face before a brawl ensued amongst attendees. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://t.co/4B0NjVI5zv">pic.twitter.com/4B0NjVI5zv</a> — SHARP SHOOTER 🔫 (@Kwesi_Gibson) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kwesi_Gibson/status/1511083902382792716?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></blockquote> Footage of the incident was shared to Twitter with many pointing out that Michael should not have slapped Raphael and tried to run away. “I think he forgot his location..how can you slap someone in his own country,” someone pointed out. “Kid was running ? You can’t start sh*t and then run away,” another commented. “The coward ran away? Disgraceful behavior!” another wrote. Image: Twitter

Legal

“I’m not mad at this:” Naomi Osaka loses world No. 1 rank to Aussie star

New York title winner Naomi Osaka has crashed out of the US Open with a stunning defeat to Belinda Bencic. The 21-year-old lost for the third time to Bencic in one hour and 26 minutes under the closrd roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium on a rainy Monday. "The challenge cannot be bigger playing Naomi," Bencic said. "She has a lot of power, me not so much. I play like chess and anticipate." Osaka broke to love in the fifth game of the second set on a double fault from the Japense. The Title holder’s defeat has slipped her to fourth in the rankings, according to the WTA with French Open champion Ash Barty returning to the top of the ladder ahead of Karolina Pliskova and Simona Halep despite all being out already in New York. Osaka’s elimination paints an interesting picture with the top seeds being out of the quarter-finals for the first time in Open era. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Big results fo Belinda Bencic, 22, and Donna Vekic,23. Two teenage prodigies - Bencic made QF here as a 17yo was Top 10 at 18, Vekic was Top 100 at 16yo - who have had to fight through a lot to get to this stage. Both in the midst of standout seasons. Both good friends. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/Mc4C0SnkWO">pic.twitter.com/Mc4C0SnkWO</a> — WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA_insider/status/1168586115919556609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2019</a></blockquote> The former No. 1 told reporters the loss stung a lot less than her first-week exits at Roland Garros and Wimbledon over the summer. "Right now I have this feeling of sadness, but I also feel like I have learned so much during this tournament," Osaka said. "Honestly, of course I wanted to defend this tournament. "I feel like the steps that I have taken as a person have been much greater than I would imagine at this point. "So I hope that I can keep growing. I know that if I keep working hard, then of course I'll have better results." "I mean, in Wimbledon I walked out on you guys," Osaka teareully explained, referring to a tearful end to her press conference after losing in the firsts round to Yulia Putintseva. "In Roland Garros, I came straight from the match, so I was all gross and I just wanted to get out of there. In true Osaka fashion, the 21-year-old has maintained her composure and hoped to bounce back in future games. "Honestly, I'm not that mad at this," Osaka said. "Of course I can look at this and be very disappointed and mad, but I'm not mad at it. Of course I would like to reach higher, like rounds. That's definitely what I'll aim for in Australia. "But for right now, I think the level of tennis that I was playing in Europe was not that great. Coming here: two quarterfinals, Round of 16. "Hopefully I'll do well in Japan because I always do well in Japan, and just keep building off of it to end the season."

News

Kyrgios' best chance as top seeds tumble at the US Open

The tennis world is in shock after three of the top 10 male stars have tumbled at the US Open in the beginning round. Dominic Thiem (4), Stefanos Tsitsipas (8) and Roberto Bautista Agut (10) all faced unthinkable lossed in New York on Tuesday. World number 43, Russian Audrey Rublev upset eighth-seeded Tsitsipas on 6-4, 6-7(5), 7-6(7), 7-5 Tuesday and knocked him out and will go on to the second round. Fourth seed Dominic Thiem, who was dubbed the young gun, went down in four sets to Italy’s Thomas Fabbiano 6-4 3-6 6-3 6-2 - meaning Gael Monfils is the highest-ranked player remaining in his quarter of the draw. What left crowds stunned was the death of 10th seed Roberto Bautista Agut. The Spanish star made it to the quarter finals of the Australian Open and the semi-finals at Wimbledon this year, however he fell five sets to Mikhail Kukushkin 3-6 6-1 6-4 3-6 6-3. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> alright, people. Thiem, Tsitsipas, and RBA all gone. who is making the semifinals out of one of the wildest Grand Slam sections of all time? <a href="https://t.co/K7jdLR5lO0">pic.twitter.com/K7jdLR5lO0</a> — Ricky Dimon (@Dimonator) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dimonator/status/1166463262961131520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2019</a></blockquote> Thiem and Tsitsipas’ incredible losses meant they both had first-round defeats in back-to-back grand slams - similarly to Wimbledon. Nick Kyrgios who is one of the toughest opponents, will continue on to compete for the championship title. The 24-year-old Australian has an even wider door to make it to a major semifinal. The knock out of three of the top ten seeds in the opening rounds could mean Nadal's path to the US open crown becomes much easier.

International Travel

Try this healthy chia seed pudding

Time to prepare 10 (+ 3 hours refrigeration) mins | Serves 4 Recipe courtesy <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/ahealthyview.com.au">A Healthy View,</a> by Holly Hedge. Chocolate pudding for breakfast? Yes! This chia seed pudding is super yummy, quick and full of fibre which keeps you full for longer. The coconut milk is a good fat and is the ONLY fat that our body recognises straight away and can use as brain fuel. Ingredients <ul> <li>1 1/2 cups Coconut milk ( or 1 cup coconut milk, 1/2 cup almond milk)</li> <li>6 tbsp Chia Seeds</li> <li>5 Dates, chopped</li> <li>1 tsp Vanilla</li> </ul> Flavours – choose one of: <ul> <li>Lime – juice of 1 lime</li> <li>Chocolate – 1 1/2 tblsp cacao powder</li> <li>Coconut – 4 tbsp shredded coconut</li> <li>Berry – handful frozen berries</li> </ul> Method 1. Blend all ingredients, besides chia, in blender until well combined. Add chia and blend for 5 seconds 2. Pour into jars or containers 3. Crush almonds/berries/coconuts and pour over the top 4. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours and enjoy cold Tips Mix up the recipe and pour your pudding into a smoothie for a thick and nutrient dense drink on the go. Experiment with the different flavours above to change the taste. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/chia-seed-pudding.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a>

Food & Wine

Vanilla orange and poppy seed cake

This classic poppy seed cake is made even more delicious by the addition of orange and vanilla icing. Ingredients: <ul> <li>250g of butter, plus extra to grease</li> <li>½ cup of fresh squeezed orange juice</li> <li>½ cup of Greek yogurt</li> <li>¼ cup of poppy seeds</li> <li>1 ¼ cups of caster sugar</li> <li>2 tablespoons of orange rind, finely grated</li> <li>4 eggs</li> <li>2 ¼ cups of self-raising flour</li> </ul> Icing <ul> <li>125g of butter</li> <li>2 ½ cup of icing sugar</li> <li>1 pinch of salt</li> <li>2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice</li> <li>2 tablespoons of maple syrup</li> <li>2 teaspoons of vanilla extract</li> </ul> Method: 1. After preheating your oven to 160°C, grease a round cake pan with butter. 2. In a bowl, mix orange juice, yogurt and poppy seeds. 3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer beat butter, sugar and orange rind until creamy. Add eggs and continue to combine. 4. Add flour, baking powder, and poppy seed mixture and fold together. 5. Pour into pan, smoothing the surface. Bake for one hour or until cooked through. Let cool. 6. To make icing, beat butter in a large bowl. Add icing sugar and salt and beat until smooth. Add orange juice, maple syrup and vanilla and beat until creamy. Spread over cake. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/08/almond-carrot-orange-cake/">Almond, carrot and orange cake</a> <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/06/carrot-cake-cookies/">Carrot cake cookie sandwiches</a> <a href="/%20http:/www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/05/lemon-polenta-cake/">Gluten-free lemon cake</a>

Food & Wine

Lime, coconut and poppy seed cake

Spring is here and the I Quit Sugar team has developed the perfect sugar-free cake that will please the pickiest of eaters. This "Lime, coconut and poppy seed cake with zesty coconut butter" is so moist and light. Perfect with a cup of tea, which is how we tend to enjoy it. Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: Three to three-and-a-half hours Serves: 10 Cake ingredients <ul> <li>1 ½ cups of almond meal</li> <li>1 cup gluten-free, self-raising flour</li> <li>1 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder</li> <li>½ teaspoon sea salt</li> <li>125g unsalted butter, at room temperature</li> <li>½ cup rice malt syrup</li> <li>2 eggs</li> <li>zest and juice of 1 lime</li> <li>1 teaspoon poppy seeds</li> </ul> Zesty coconut butter ingredients <ul> <li>2 cups desiccated coconut</li> <li>juice and zest of half a lime</li> </ul> Method for cake: <ol> <li>Grease and line the slow cooker insert with baking paper so that it reaches half way up the edges of the interior.</li> <li>In a medium bowl combine almond meal, flour, baking powder and salt Set aside.</li> <li>In a separate bowl add butter and rice malt syrup. Beat using an electric beater until smooth and combined. Beat in eggs one at a time until creamy. Add lime juice and zest and beat on low until smooth. Add the flour mixture and continue to beat until smooth. Fold through poppy seeds.</li> <li>Pour cake batter into slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 3 – 3 ½ hours on high for 1 ½ - 2 hours until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. The edges of the cake should be browned and starting to pull away from the sides.</li> <li>Allow cake to cool for 20 minutes in the slow cooker, and then lift out by pulling on the baking paper.</li> <li>Cut cake into slices and serve warm with Zesty Coconut Butter, if you like.</li> </ol> Method for zesty coconut butter: <ol> <li>Blend coconut until it forms a spreadable mixture. This can take up to 10 minutes depending on your blender.</li> <li>Stir through the juice of half a lime. Add some zest if you like it extra citrusy.</li> </ol> This recipe is originally from Sarah Wilson's, <a href="http://store.iquitsugar.com/i-quit-sugar-slowcooker-cookbook-digital/" target="_blank">I Quit Sugar Slow Cooker Cookbook</a>, which can be purchased online at <a href="http://iquitsugar.com/" target="_blank">IQuitSugar.com</a>. Sarah Wilson is a New York Times best-selling author and blogger whose journalism career has spanned 20 years, across television, radio, magazines, newspapers and online. Her books include the best-sellers I Quit Sugar and I Quit Sugar For Life. The popular foodie has also authored the best-selling series of cookbooks from <a href="http://iquitsugar.com/" target="_blank">IQuitSugar.com</a>. Her 8-Week Program has seen more than 495,000 people quit sugar worldwide.

Food & Wine

8 recycled materials to grow seeds in

There’s no need to buy seed starting kits or fancy pots when all you need is seeds, potting soil and whatever you have lying around the house – and we guarantee you’ll have a few these in your home. 1. Newspapers <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8997/1_500x375.jpg" alt="1 (55)" width="500" height="375" /> 2. Egg cartons <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8998/2_500x375.jpg" alt="2 (58)" width="500" height="375" /> 3. Egg shells <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8999/3_500x333.jpg" alt="3 (54)" width="500" height="333" /> 4. Takeaway coffee cups <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9000/4_500x500.jpg" alt="4 (51)" width="500" height="500" /> 5. Toilet paper rolls <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9002/5_500x334.jpg" alt="5 (49)" width="500" height="334" /> 6. Juice cartons <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9001/6_500x373.jpg" alt="6 (48)" width="500" height="373" /> 7. Cans <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9003/7_500x500.jpg" alt="7 (43)" width="500" height="500" /> 8. Water bottles <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9004/8_500x333.jpg" alt="8 (43)" width="500" height="333" /> Image sources: Pinterest Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/08/diy-self-watering-planter/">How to make a self-watering planter</a> <a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/08/test-if-seeds-can-be-planted/">Are those seeds viable for planting?</a> <a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/08/how-to-choose-plants-at-nursery/">What you need to know to choose the best plants at the nursery</a>

Home & Garden

8 things to know before buying garden seeds

When the season comes to plant your garden, growing your flowers and vegetables from seeds has its advantages: it’s cheaper and you can find a larger variety of seeds than fully-grown plants. You also have the satisfaction of knowing the quality and health of your plants as a result of the hard work you put in. But when it comes to actually buying seeds, here are some things you should first consider. 1. Buy trusted brands Just like clothes, food, appliances or just about anything else you buy today, you probably have certain brands you trust. This should be no different when it comes to your seeds. Make sure you only buy reputable seed brands with a reputation for good seed quality. Try to avoid no-name seeds when possible; you might save in dollars, but lose in flower/vegetable quality. Not all seeds are made equal. 2. Buy more than you need If you’re planting a vegetable garden, certain vegetables such as radishes or spinach have a high turnover rate. Rather than leave their space empty, after harvesting your first crop, you can plant more throughout the season. Check the days until harvest estimation on your seed packages for further insight. 3. Do your research Make sure you read the product label and do your research online before choosing a plant seed. Many flowers require special soil and care or need to be planted indoors to develop before being placed outside. It would be a shame to waste your work and hard-earned dollars due to poor foresight, so know what is needed before you commit to a seed. 4. Don’t over-do it If you’re looking to start a vegetable garden but you have limited space, choose smaller vegetables such as carrots, radishes, or spinach as opposed to larger vegetables that will take up all of the room. Unless you intend to eat pumpkin exclusively, steer clear of bigger fruit and vegetables until you have room to expand your garden. 5. Think about your seed size Many smaller seeds need to be planted in small containers initially in order to better control their environment whilst the seedling is fragile. If you want to plant directly into your garden bed to start, try bigger, hardier seeds such as beans and peas, as they do not require the initial step that other varieties might. 6. Know the life of your seeds Some vegetables, such as leeks, corn and rhubarb have a short bed-life, while others, such as eggplant, beets and melons have been known to survive for over five years. Decide how often you wish to change and replant your garden and take this into consideration when selecting your seeds. 7. Consider diseases Many types of plants can be prone to diseases, and this can devastate your entire vegetable yield or flower bed population. Check the labels when you purchase, and aim to buy disease-resistant varieties of seed. 8. Check online Many seeds can be found online for cheaper than you might find in store. By spending a bit of time searching reputable online sellers, you can save time and money and have your seeds show up right at your door. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/02/how-to-create-a-hanging-basket/">A hanging basket step-by-step guide</a> <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/12/homemade-remedies-for-the-garden/">Homemade remedies for the garden</a> <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/11/plants-that-are-hard-to-kill/">8 plants that are near impossible to kill</a>

Home & Garden

Seared lemongrass tuna with rice paper, herbs, grated egg and basil seeds

If you need a light, delicious dinner try this seared lemongrass tuna with rice paper, herbs, grated egg and basil seeds. Sounds pretty tasty to us! Ingredients: <ul> <li>1 thick lemongrass stem, pale end finely sliced</li> <li>3 garlic cloves, chopped</li> <li>½ tsp Chinese five-spice</li> <li>1 tbsp salt flakes</li> <li>½ tsp freshly ground black pepper</li> <li>700g mid-loin tuna, trimmed and cut lengthways into two pieces</li> <li>80ml grapeseed oil</li> <li>1 white salad onion, finely sliced in half-moons</li> <li>1½ tbsp basil seeds, soaked in cold water for 20 minutes and drained</li> <li>1 lemon, peeled, segmented and chopped</li> <li>4 hard-boiled egg yolks</li> <li>½ bunch Thai basil, leaves picked</li> <li>½ bunch dill fronds, leaves picked</li> <li>½ bunch coriander, leaves picked</li> <li>½ bunch Vietnamese mint, leaves picked</li> <li>2 handfuls lemon balm, leaves picked</li> <li>2 long green chillies, finely sliced</li> <li>lime wedges, to serve</li> <li>black sesame crackers or large prawn crackers, to serve</li> <li>superfine rectangles of rice paper, cut into triangles, to serve (if these are hard to find you could just use the prawn crackers or lettuce cups, or try lightly moistening spring roll wrappers with a damp cloth)</li> </ul> Dipping sauce <ul> <li>4 small garlic cloves, chopped</li> <li>4 red bird's eye chillies, chopped</li> <li>3 tbsp lime juice 3½ tbsp Vietnamese fish sauce</li> <li>3 tbsp white sugar</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>Pound the lemongrass and garlic using a mortar and pestle until an even paste.</li> <li>Add the five-spice, salt and pepper and combine. Smear the paste evenly over the tuna, pressing it on firmly.</li> <li>Add the oil to a frying pan over medium heat and sear the tuna pieces evenly for about one minute on each side.</li> <li>Set aside to cool, and then wrap tightly in cling film. Refrigerate until chilled.</li> <li>For the dipping sauce, pound the garlic and chilli using a mortar and pestle until a rough paste. Add the lime juice, fish sauce and sugar and mix until the sugar has dissolved.</li> <li>This will need to sit for about five minutes before using.</li> <li>Once chilled, cut the tuna into slices about five millimetres thick – don't slice it too thinly – and arrange on a serving platter.</li> <li>Top with the onion, basil seeds and chopped lemon and grate over the egg yolks.</li> <li>Combine the herbs and green chilli and pile onto a platter with the dipping sauce, lime wedges, rice paper and crackers on the side.</li> <li>Drizzle some of the sauce over the tuna and serve.</li> </ol> Written by Karen Martini. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz.</a> Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, The Way Mum Made It, yet? Featuring 178 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website, <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now.</a> Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/10/chicken-alfredo-fettucine/">Creamy chicken Alfredo pasta</a> <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/10/broccoli-zucchini-quiche/">Broccoli, parmesan and zucchini quiche</a> <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/05/cheesy-pea-and-pesto-pasta/">Cheesy pea and pesto</a><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/05/cheesy-pea-and-pesto-pasta/"> pasta</a>

Food & Wine

Lemon and poppy seed muffins

Tangy and sweet, these moist muffins make a great snack or addition to your tea. Serves: 10-12 Ingredients: <ul> <li>½ cup of sweet butter, softened</li> <li>⅔ cup of sugar</li> <li>2 eggs, separated</li> <li>1 ⅓ cups of self-raising flour</li> <li>Zest of 2 lemons, grated</li> <li>½ cup of buttermilk or plain yogurt</li> <li>2 tablespoons of lemon juice</li> <li>1 teaspoon of vanilla extract</li> </ul> Method: 1. Preheat oven to 175°C and spray a muffin tin. 2. In a bowl, add cream, butter and sugar and cream until mixture if fluffy. 2. Add two egg yolks and beat into mix. 3. In another bowl, mix together flour, poppy seeds and lemon zest. 4. Add to cream mix, plus buttermilk, lemon juice and vanilla, mixing between each addition. 5. Separately, beat egg white forming soft peaks. Add to batter and mix. 6. Pour batter into muffin tin. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/11/flourless-hazelnut-chocolate-cake/">Flourless hazelnut chocolate cake</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/11/banana-date-and-walnut-cake/">Banana, date and walnut cake with cream cheese icing</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/11/chocolate-chip-blondies/">Chocolate chip blondies</a>

Food & Wine

Traditional poppy seed roll

Fill your kitchen with the aroma of this soft, sweet, Eastern European bread. Ingredients: <ul> <li>0.25kg of poppy seeds</li> <li>¾ cup of sugar + 2 tablespoons extra</li> <li>1 tablespoon of butter, melted</li> <li>1 teaspoon of lemon juice</li> <li>½ cup of milk, hot</li> <li>7g of active dry yeast</li> <li>½ cup of warm water</li> <li>2 cups of flour</li> <li>½ teaspoon of salt</li> <li>¼ cup of butter</li> <li>1 egg, separated</li> </ul> Method: 1. In a food processor, process seeds for one minute. 2. In a bowl, mix seeds, ¾ cup of sugar, melted butter, lemon juice and milk and stir to create a filling. Let chill. 3. Mix yeast with water and remaining sugar. Let sit until yeast forms a layer. 4. In a bowl, mix flour, salt and ¼ cup of butter until crumbed. 5. Add yeast and egg yolk to crumb mixture, saving the egg white. Stir until a dough forms. 6. On a floured surface, knead dough for about five minutes or until smooth. 7. Divide dough in half. Roll each half into 30cm x 40cm rectangles. 8. Spread chilled poppy seed filling over top each half, reserving a 2-3cm border around each. Fold all sides of the border inward over the filling, pressing. 9. Roll the dough length-wise forming a roll, repeating for both. In order to stop filling leakage, pinch and tuck ends. 10. Place rolls, seamed side down on a lined baking sheet and let sit for one hour. 11. Preheat oven to 175°C. 12. Beat reserved eggwhite and brush over rolls. 13. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Remove and cover with a cloth and let cool completely. Cut to serve.

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Seared lemongrass tuna with rice paper, herbs, grated egg and basil seeds

Lemon and poppy seed muffins

Traditional poppy seed roll