Top Lifestyle News

Oct 29, 2026 - Lifestyle

A historical adventure deep in the very heart of pasta country in southern Italy unexpectedly unearths a sauce with roots in SenegalAbout 30 kilometres south of Naples, the town of Gragnano is surrounded by the Monti Lattari mountain range – the limestone backbone of the Sorrento peninsula. Historically, a series of natural springs fed into a larger stream called Vernotico, which flowed down the mountainside, passing through what was at the time the small village of Gragnano.The natural slope of the terrain was fortuitous, because it allowed for the construction of a sequence of mills, which started in around 1263. During a visit to Gragnano last month, local historian Giuseppe Di Massa explained how it all worked; how gravity drove the flow of water from one mill to the next, in order to power vertical millstones – a system created for the inconsistent flow. The valley, with its clever water system, became known as the valley of the mills; its role milling grain, which arrived at the nearby port of Castellammare di Stabia, a vital operation to Naples and surrounding towns. Continue reading...

Oct 28, 2026 - Lifestyle

A fool is absurdly simple – just fruit stirred through custard or yoghurt with. maybe a bit of cream – and you can then add whatever bits and bobs you fancy from the fridgeFool is one of my go-to desserts for two reasons: first, its pure simplicity – it’s little more than custard or yoghurt mixed with whipped cream and pureed fruit – and, second, its adaptability to the seasons. Gooseberry, rhubarb and strawberry are traditionally the most foolish fruits, but just about any fruit goes. British blackberries are still available and apples are in their prime right now, so I’ve gone for those, but use whatever you’ve got in store.I usually make fool with yoghurt, not least because it’s much less work than making custard from scratch, but I’ve got lots of leftover custard from this week’s Food Filter taste test, so I’m going for a custard base here. I’m always looking for ways to use up small amounts of bits and pieces in the fridge, such as the end of a pot of custard or yoghurt, then add a few other ingredients to elevate remnants into regalia. Continue reading...

Oct 28, 2026 - Lifestyle

From the packaging to the products, brands aimed at young people have come a long wayThere’s some great new skincare in town for teens – and none of it preys on insecurities.I really like Equals Even, a British-made line for young people. The founders are two female doctors (and mothers), not dermatologists, which feels appropriate, since frontline physicians manage more routine, everyday teen skin struggles than specialist consultants tackling severe conditions and cutting out cancers. Continue reading...

Oct 28, 2026 - Lifestyle

Aubergines cooked with coconut, chilli, tamarind and curry leaves, and a gingery vegetable stew with coconut and green chilliesBoth these hearty curries use coconut as part of their base gravy. The region of Kutch in Gujarat is brimming with vegetable curries, and the bhagare baingan features many classic Kutchi ingredients; it has several similarities to the Hyderabadi version, too. I’ve used baby aubergines, but if need be you can use regular diced aubergines instead. Avial, meanwhile, is often served at celebrations in south India, and this version is a Keralan recipe made with a flavourful coconut paste. Continue reading...

Oct 28, 2026 - Lifestyle

The department store’s future is in question, but its legacy has many points of prideGet our weekend culture and lifestyle emailDavid Jones has lived through a lot. It has survived two world wars, the Great Depression, modern recessions and changing tastes. But lately, it feels like death by a thousand cuts for the department store, whose future beyond Christmas is in question. Not that other department stores around the globe are immune – but for Australians, this one feels especially raw.There have been so many points of pride in its 188-year history. On that point alone, David Jones remains the world’s oldest continuously operating department store still trading under its original name. Not London’s Selfridges, not New York’s Saks Fifth Avenue – but our own DJs (as it is affectionately known).Sign up for the fun stuff with our rundown of must-reads, pop culture and tips for the weekend, every Sunday morning Continue reading...