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Photo: QuintanaRoo / Flickr

This spiced peaches recipe is adapted from a very old one that dates back to the 18^th century. While this is a simple version of the original and quick enough to make, the six spiced peaches shouldn’t be eaten immediately. This dish is best left to stand for three days, which will give the syrup the time it needs to penetrate the fruit. To keep the peaches for longer, add double the amount of brandy mentioned in the spicy brandy syrup below. (more…)

Photo: Stock.Xchng

To stop the interruptions in your life, you’ve got to put your foot down. This requires that you ‘do your own thinking independently. Be the chess player, not the chess piece.’ This is the quote from Ralph Charell that begins the chapter called Interrupting Interruptions and the Art of Refusal in Tim Ferriss’ book. According to Ferriss, there are three main offenders – time wasters, time consumers and empowerment failures. Here are some of his proposed solutions. (more…)

Photo: anna_t / Flickr

This dessert is extremely quick to bake as it only needs two to three minutes in the oven. Unfortunately, the preparation time is a lot longer. You’ll need three-quarters of an hour in order prepare for this baked banana Alaska for six. Ingredients include trifle sponge, semi sweet sherry, some bananas, egg whites, caster sugar, cream of tartar, vanilla ice-cream and some flaked almonds or pecan nuts. If you’re not crazy about bananas, replace them with pears. (more…)

Photo: sanctumsolitude / Flickr

What better than a fruit salad to serve as a dessert after a meal in summer – especially when it is topped with a liqueur custard, cream and caramelised sugar? In order to tantalise the taste buds of your dinner guests, you will need a bountiful supply of fresh fruit including peaches, bananas, pears, pineapple and seedless grapes, besides the juice of a lemon and an orange. Other ingredients include milk, sugar, cornfour, Cointreau, several egg yolks, butter, vanilla extract and lovely thick cream. (more…)

Photo: deepwarren / Flickr

As a spiritual teacher, Eckhart Tolle’s messages are simple but profound. He is the renowned author of The Power of Now and A New Earth – both international bestsellers. If you’re not an avid book reader, it’s worth watching some of his DVDs, which capture his wonderful sense of humour (something that’s less apparent in his books). Here we share some of his thoughts on the original reason for art, as well as why it’s important for you to become your own artwork. (more…)

Photo: TheGiantVermin / Flickr

Before you get a new puppy you need to make sure he (or she) has everything they need to have a happy and fulfilled life. The accessories you buy your dog not only ensure that they are happier and well-looked after, but they can also help to make your life easier. With dog fashions taking over the world and pet accessory stores popping up on every corner, shopping for your best friend has never been easier. (more…)

Photo: Olivander / Flickr

You don’t have to be born with a funny bone or a practised comedian to bring humour into your writing – that’s because you are surrounded by humour all the time. All you have to do is keep your ears and eyes open to it. Sharing a little light humour in your writing will not only catch your readers’ attention but it can also act as a lead-in to a more serious topic. Don’t worry about making your readers laugh – a smile may be enough. (more…)

Photo: Knoxville Museum of Art / Flickr

Thomas Chippendale was an influential designer and cabinetmaker who worked and lived in England and it was thanks to Chippendale that the so-called Chippendale period of 1754-85 was born. Chippendale published The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker’s Director in 1754, which turned out to be one of the most highly respected publications at the time. Chippendale’s designs were influenced by Georgian and Queen Anne originals as well Gothic and Chinese styles – as seen in his ball and claw feet and heavy lacquering. (more…)

Photo: Jrwooley6 / Flickr

Scientists used to say that you were born with all the brain cells you’d ever have. If you had a head injury or drank too much, neurons would be killed – forever. In 1998, though, they realised they were wrong. The good news is that your brain, no matter how old you are, can rebuild itself. There are plenty of ways to help your brain grow, and eating healthily is one of the easiest. By including certain herbs and spices in your cooking you can boost your brain power significantly. (more…)

Photo: mikebaird / Flickr

A new study has found that marriages are happier when wives are thinner than their husbands. It seems that men married to women with lower BMIs are happier in their marriage. And the same applies to women, too. Thinner wives are more content with married life over time than overweight women. Researchers say that this is because when one partner is happy, the other is too. (more…)