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How to buy a good pair of sunglasses

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jacobo-garcia-queiruga-1496353">Jacobo García Queiruga</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/universidade-de-santiago-de-compostela-2533">Universidade de Santiago de Compostela</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/veronica-noya-padin-1529488">Verónica Noya Padín</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/universidade-de-santiago-de-compostela-2533">Universidade de Santiago de Compostela</a> Nowadays you can buy a cheap pair of sunglasses just about anywhere – from supermarkets and petrol stations to corner shops and online fashion retailers, but such ubiquity may prompt doubts as to the protection they can offer. While their lenses usually meet certain minimum UV protection requirements, their quality in other respects, such as visual clarity, is dismal. Opticians, however, are governed by national health regulations, meaning that they have to meet higher standards such as the <a href="https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/single-market/ce-marking_en">CE</a> and <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-ukca-marking">UKCA</a> marks. Professional opticians are therefore much better equipped to help customers find sunglasses that not only meet their practical demands, but which are also comfortable and well suited to their facial features. <h2>Rules for protection</h2> <a href="https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/en/#iso:std:iso:12312:-1:ed-2:v1:en">European law</a> classifies sunglass lenses as “personal protective equipment”, outlining five levels of protection. Category 0 lenses allow 80-100% of light through, while those in category 4 only let 3-8% through, meaning they are not suitable for driving. Category 3 is the most commonly used, as they are appropriate for most situations, including driving. So, do darker lenses protect you better? The short answer is: not necessarily. The degree of light absorption depends on how and where they will be used: category 4 lenses are designed for extremely bright areas like high mountains or deserts, but may actually reduce your visibility in other situations. However, all sunglasses that meet the established standards will protect your eyes from UV radiation. <h2>Quality of vision</h2> Wearing sunglasses can give the feeling that your vision is impeded. This is because a tinted lens selectively filters light: it lets in one type of radiation and limits another. Three concepts can help us understand how this works, and why it matters. First up is visual acuity. This is the term used to measure how “sharply” we see, and it is tested by asking patients to read increasingly small letters that appear on a screen or wall chart, with an ideal result around 100%. However, this test is performed with black letters on a well lit white background, so it does not take into account how visual quality may vary in other lighting conditions. Contrast sensitivity is defined as the ability to differentiate objects from the surrounding background. It is, for instance, more difficult to distinguish black letters on grey backgrounds than on white backgrounds. Lastly, we have refractive errors, which affect both visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. These are what cause astigmatisms and make us long or short sighted. Wearing non-prescription sunglasses when suffering from any of these conditions can make vision even worse than it would be without them. <h2>Colour matters</h2> With all this in mind, we should also address the common question of lens colour. While colour does not affect protection, <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11320153_Effect_of_variable_tinted_spectacle_lenses_on_visual_performance_in_control_subjects">it can affect contrast and the feeling of brightness</a>, because each colour filters out a different wavelength of light. <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11320153_Effect_of_variable_tinted_spectacle_lenses_on_visual_performance_in_control_subjects">Grey lenses filter out all wavelengths of light</a>, while tints such as brown or green have a different effect on light absorption. This means that <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10699545/">visual perception</a> tends to be brighter through a brown lens, very dark through grey ones, and more natural through green ones. <h2>Plastic or glass lenses?</h2> Colour isn’t the only thing that affects quality of vision: we also have to pay attention to what the lenses are made of. While they are most commonly made of specialised plastics – known as organic lenses – you can also find glass ones, known as mineral lenses. These two materials are not the same. Organic lenses are lighter and stronger, while mineral lenses are more scratch resistant and are less prone to colour distortion. This means that mineral lenses offer greater quality of vision. <h2>What about polarised lenses?</h2> Polarised lenses block light that reaches the eye at a certain angle after reflecting off a surface such as a road or water, thus reducing glare. They are particularly suited to driving or spending time around water. However, they can be unsuitable in certain situations. For example, they block light from screens, making them appear darker or even completely black, meaning devices often have to be rotated to improve visibility. They are also not ideal for certain winter sports: by eliminating glare they make it very easy to miss icy patches on the ground. <h2>Other features</h2> Lastly, there are certain design features that we cannot overlook when choosing a pair of sunglasses. Gradient lenses are darker at the top, and graduate down to a lighter tint at the bottom – they usually absorb around 85% of light in their darkest area, and 10% in the lightest. These lenses are stylish, but that does not affect their protection against UV rays. That said, they might be better suited to cloudy conditions, and on a bright summer day they may not be the best option. Reflective lenses have a layer on their outer surface that reflects light and enhances protection. Unfortunately, this treatment is easily damaged or scratched. Lenses with anti reflective coating on the inside of the lens provide greater clarity of vision by eliminating light reflected from behind the wearer. This treatment is usually applied to large sunglasses, or glasses with optically very high quality lenses. In the event of any doubt, the best possible advice is to speak to your optician or optometrist to find the sunglasses that best meet your needs.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/229953/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jacobo-garcia-queiruga-1496353">Jacobo García Queiruga</a>, Profesor Interino en el Área de Optometría (OD, MSc, PhD), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/universidade-de-santiago-de-compostela-2533">Universidade de Santiago de Compostela</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/veronica-noya-padin-1529488">Verónica Noya Padín</a>, Investigadora predoctoral - Área de Optometría, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/universidade-de-santiago-de-compostela-2533">Universidade de Santiago de Compostela</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-buy-a-good-pair-of-sunglasses-229953">original article</a>. </div>

Beauty & Style

A guide to pairing wine and food

When it comes to selecting wines for to go with your meals, there are no absolute rules – the only expert opinion that matters is your own. That said, there are definitely choices that pair better with certain dishes. Pairing wines to a rich, complicated supper is not as difficult as it may seem. In fact, choosing wines to go with your winter meals can be among the most enjoyable and more relaxing stages in planning the dinner. At a minimum, you want to provide refreshment – water and wines – that flatter the meal's flavours. In many cases, a good-quality, medium-bodied red wine is a great choice with a lot of winter dishes. Welcoming guests and relatives with flutes of crisp, sparkling wine always creates a nice sense of occasion, whether your hors d'oeuvres are just some biscuits and dips or a lavish selection or meat and cheeses. And if you’re thinking of serving bubbles throughout an entire meal, you might be onto something. Although a soup or shellfish starter might be its ideal partner, the sparkling's bubbly assertiveness allows it to hold its own with more robust dishes. A traditional roast dinner – a popular meal choice in winter – that comes with baked vegetables, tests the liveliness of a single wine, and so often it makes sense to offer two or more that way guests can sip from whichever glass suits what they are eating. A red wine made substantially from pinot noir grapes is a fine partner for the distinctive taste of dark meat, and the black cherry-like character of many pinot noirs, will evoke the yummy berry, rich sauces that are popular throughout the cooler months of the year. With the broad range of flavours in your meals, you may want to consider introducing maturity and complexity in your wines. Try either the sun-baked earthiness you find in an shiraz or a rioja, or a hint of mellow age, such as that found in many wines older than four or five years. A well-crafted white wine can be a star of a winter dinner table, especially if it picks up on the citrus tones that are often present in sauces and garnishes of meals. Rich, concentrated white wines, such as a viognier or a chardonnay, with higher alcohol and a wisp of butterscotch sweetness, can enhance white meat. If the white is elegant and floral enough, it can be the perfect chaser for more herbal dishes, too. With very little legwork, you can find wines like these in every price range, so once you’ve decided on your menu and before you commit to certain wines, sample a few options. Image credit: Shutterstock

Food & Wine

What made rents soar? It might have been COVID, and pairing off

So, you think you know why rents climbed. You probably think was skyrocketing interest rates and a tsunami of migration. It’s true that interest rates have jumped more over the past year than at any time on record, and it’s true that migration has roared back – in the six months to September 2022 (the latest month for which we’ve official figures) arrivals exceeded departures by <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/population/national-state-and-territory-population/sep-2022">170,000</a>. But here’s the thing. Advertised rents began climbing sharply in <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/insights/where-rents-prices-are-really-skyrocketing-in-some-cases-by-600-a-week-more/">late 2021</a> – six months before the Reserve Bank began pushing up interest rates, and at a time <a href="https://theconversation.com/top-economists-expect-rba-to-hold-rates-low-in-2022-as-real-wages-fall-175054">when it was forecast not to</a>. And “net migration” was <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/population/national-state-and-territory-population/sep-2021">negative</a> back when rents were taking off – meaning the number of arrivals didn’t even match the number of departures. <h2>It’s supply and demand</h2> Something else made rents move. As it happens, there’s no particular reason to think interest rates would have quickly affected rents even if they had been climbing. If higher rates force some landlords to sell, and they sell to other landlords, the number of properties for rent won’t change. If those landlords sell to owner occupiers who would otherwise rent, they cut both the number of rental properties and the number of renters. What matters for rents, as for any price, is the demand for and the supply of the product being priced. More demand (more renters wanting properties) and the price climbs. More supply (more properties available for rent) and the price falls. On the face of it, neither demand nor supply was changing much during COVID as rents started climbing. Australia’s population was growing more slowly than at any time <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2023/sp-gov-2023-04-05.html">in modern history</a>. And, as best as we can tell, the number of properties available for rent was climbing, <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/industry/building-and-construction/building-activity-australia/latest-release">albeit weakly</a>. What did change during COVID, according to the research department of the Reserve Bank, was the <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/bulletin/2023/mar/renters-rent-inflation-and-renter-stress.html">average number of people per household</a>. The change doesn’t sound big – the average fell from a bit above 2.6 residents per household to a bit below 2.55 – but applied to millions of households it meant about <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2022/sp-ag-2022-05-25.html">140,000</a> more houses and apartments were needed than would have been. <h2>Average household size (capital cities)</h2> The sudden change was awfully for hard for the building industry to respond to, especially when it was laid low by COVID. Why did we suddenly want to live with fewer people? The head of the Bank’s economic division, Luci Ellis, thinks it was COVID itself, and lockdowns. We suddenly became more precious about sharing space. <h2>‘Love the one you’re with’</h2> Ellis says proportion of Australians living in group houses declined and stayed low. Faced with the choice of living with a large number of housemates and just one other person, perhaps a romantic partner, a lot of renters left group houses and <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2022/sp-ag-2022-05-25.html">shacked up with each other</a>. As she put it last year, "On the question of who you would rather be locked down with, at least some Australians have voted with their removalists’ van, by moving out of their share house and in with their partner." There’s more to it of course, but where the supply and demand for anything are roughly in balance (rents had been increasing by <a href="https://theconversation.com/rent-crisis-average-rents-are-increasing-less-than-you-might-think-189154">less than 1% per year</a> in the four years before COVID, and fell in the first year of COVID) any sudden change in either supply or demand can move prices quickly. <h2>Advertised rents aren’t typical …</h2> Having said that, for most renters prices are still moving slowly. Advertised capital city rents are up <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/insights/where-rents-prices-are-really-skyrocketing-in-some-cases-by-600-a-week-more/">13%</a> over the past year, and advertised regional rates up 9%. But average rents (the average of what all renters pay) are up only 4.8%. The rents charged to ongoing tenants climb <a href="https://theconversation.com/rent-crisis-average-rents-are-increasing-less-than-you-might-think-189154">much more slowly</a>than the rents charged to new tenants, in part because landlords often like their tenants, and in part because for the first year renters are usually on fixed contracts. But over time as renters move home, and landlords become less squeamish, more and more renters tend to pay the rents advertised. It makes the increase in advertised rents an unwelcome sign of what’s to come. <h2>… but they’re a sign of rents ahead</h2> And it might get worse. Reserve Bank Governor Philip Lowe says population growth is set to climb to <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2023/sp-gov-2023-04-05.html">2%</a> – near the peak reached during the resources boom. We won’t be able to build houses anything like that fast. Lowe says the last time Australia’s population surged it took about <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2023/sp-gov-2023-04-05.html">five years</a> for housing supply to fully respond to housing demand. We’ve ways of dealing with it of course. One is to re-embrace group homes, another is to delay moving out of our partents’ homes, or to move back in. But even if this does happen, Lowe says, with typical understatement, that rent inflation – ultra-low before COVID – is likely to stay “quite high” for some time. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-made-rents-soar-it-might-have-been-covid-and-pairing-off-203542" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Real Estate

Peppa Pig has introduced a pair of lesbian polar bears, but Aussie kids’ TV has been leading the way in queer representation

Peppa Pig’s first same-sex couple, a pair of lesbian polar bears, were recently introduced after <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/sep/08/peppa-pig-introduces-its-first-same-sex-couple" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a petition to include a same-sex family</a> received nearly 24,000 signatures. Children’s television has often been a place to push the boundaries of diverse representations onscreen. In particular, Australian children’s TV has been a global leader in screen diversity, including gender and queer representation. Emmy-winning Australian series <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10614090/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">First Day</a> (2020-22) tells the story of a transgender girl starting high school. Another Emmy-winner, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8747140/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hardball</a> (2019-21) includes gay dads for one of the lead characters. Even recent updates to The Wiggles’ line-up has placed a greater emphasis on gender diversity, including <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/the-wiggles-announces-four-new-band-members-with-focus-on-diversity-gender-equality/news-story/dbc914965a83332c857e7665b3639ba0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">adding a non-binary unicorn</a>. <h2>Diverse representation</h2> Children’s TV is often less risk averse than programming aimed at adults. The ABC is <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1329878X16687400" target="_blank" rel="noopener">empowered</a> to take risks with representations of gender and sexuality in children’s programming because of its publicly funded role. But such progressive portrayals can sometimes chafe with outdated expectations of children’s television. In 2004, Play School <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07380560802314128" target="_blank" rel="noopener">faced controversy</a> for showing lesbian mothers. As social acceptance has progressed, Australian children’s TV has been able to achieve more queer representations. Talking to the Queering Australian Screens <a href="https://djomeara.com/phd-research/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">research project</a>, television professionals often praised the genre for its openness to new ideas, representations and bringing in new talent. Tony Ayres, Creator of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nowhere_Boys" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nowhere Boys</a> (2013-18), observed those who commission children’s TV are “generally very open to diverse representation”. This representation happens behind the scenes, too, with Ayres describing how these shows often give new talent their first credit. David Hannam, who has written for several kids’ TV shows including <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dance_Academy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dance Academy</a> (2010-13), said children’s television “has led the way”. Speaking of his time at the Australian Children’s Television Foundation, Hannam noted the foundation had an “almost charter responsibility” to show diversity on screen, “with great caution and responsibility”. Julie Kalceff created First Day, which starred a young trans actor, Evie McDonald, as a trans girl starting high school. When she was developing the show, Kalceff shared that she was initially concerned about what would be allowed on children’s TV: There were no trans people on television. There were no TV shows with trans actors in the lead role. I thought there’s no way the ABC is going to do this. And there’s no way they’re going to do it with kids’ TV. But to their credit, the ABC was so supportive, and was so behind the project from the beginning. <h2>What audiences want</h2> It is not only TV producers who are eager to widen representation in children’s television. Audiences are also seeking out more inclusive content. Just like Peppa Pig in the UK, there have been calls in Australia for more diversity in animated hit Bluey, with the show adding its <a href="https://10play.com.au/theproject/articles/bluey-introduces-first-auslan-signing-character-in-a-new-special-episode/tpa220616bswgm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">first Auslan signing character</a> in June. One of our research projects, Australian Children’s Television Cultures’ <a href="https://www.swinburne.edu.au/news/2022/05/new-research-shows-the-way-families-watch-TV-is-changing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2021 survey</a> found 90% of Australian parents believe diverse representation is an important element of children’s TV. As one father explained: <blockquote> Diversity on screen helps children learn about people with different upbringings from their own, expanding their empathy for and curiosity about other people. </blockquote> In contrast to the controversy Play School received nearly 20 years ago for its inclusion of same-sex parents, a mother praised the show for “doing a fantastic job” of depicting diversity in relationships. Not everyone believes Australian television is doing enough. One survey respondent praised the way shows like Bluey reflect Australian culture, but said he would “love to see more LGBT representation […] It would be nice as a kid to know you’re valid.” <h2>Uncertain futures</h2> The streaming era has changed how families and children watch TV. This raises concerns about the future of Australian children’s content. The recent <a href="https://theconversation.com/cheese-n-crackers-concerns-deepen-for-the-future-of-australian-childrens-television-147183" target="_blank" rel="noopener">removal of quotas</a> for Australian networks to air a minimum number of hours of children’s television, alongside the absence of quotas on streaming services, has led to <a href="https://tvtonight.com.au/2022/09/producers-slam-hypocritical-networks-as-australian-childrens-tv-plummets.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a reduction</a> in the production of local kids’ TV. From Play School to Bluey, children’s TV has reflected the richness of Australian cultural life. There is a risk that if Australian child audiences need to rely on international content, future generations will not see themselves on screen. With the loss of local voices, Australian kids’ TV may also lose its ability to push boundaries of diversity and inclusion. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/peppa-pig-has-introduced-a-pair-of-lesbian-polar-bears-but-aussie-kids-tv-has-been-leading-the-way-in-queer-representation-190648" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Image: Peppa Pig

Principles of food and wine pairing

McWilliam’s wine educator, Michael Quirk, gives Over60 a rundown on what wine varieties work well with certain foods. Michael explains that “the generally accepted rule of ‘like with like’ can assist”. For instance, sweet wine with sweet food, acidic wines with sour foods and red wine with red meat. When planning your next meal here’s your cheat-sheet for pairing a matching wine: Michael says, “These work beautifully together”… <ul> <li> Champagne/premium sparkling is perfect with anything salty like fresh oysters </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Rosé champagne is great with dinner (think salmon), not just hors d'oeuvres.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Sauvignon blanc goes with tart dressings and sauces and especially asparagus.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Albariño/verdelho is perfect when a dish has lots of fresh herbs. For instance, fish and crustaceans</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Pinot grigio/gris pairs with light fish dishes and dried meats like parma ham and melon</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Chardonnay goes well with fatty fish (like salmon or tuna) or fish in a rich sauce.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Riesling or semillon pairs great with sushi or sashimi</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Off-dry riesling pairs with sweet and spicy dishes like Asian cuisine – Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Moscato loves fresh tropical fruit, pavolas and fruit-based desserts</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Botrytis semillon/riesling is amazing with foie gras, pâté and terrines</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Dry rosé works well with rich, cheesy dishes and spicy Mexican style. For example tacos or Vietnamese rolls</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Pinot noir/Nebbiolo is great for dishes with earthy flavours</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Old world wines (many European ones) and old world dishes are intrinsically good together.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Tempranillo/grenache won't be overshadowed by sweet and spicy barbecue sauces</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Merlot for pâtés, mousses and terrines. Merlot also goes well with pizza! </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Cabernet sauvignon is fabulous with juicy red meat especially game</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Syrah/shiraz matches with highly spiced dishes</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Liqueur muscat perfect match is Christmas pudding</li> </ul> Image: Getty

Food & Wine

The perfect pairing: Andrew Harris’ essential tips for matching food with rosé

If you’re a fan of wine, you’re probably familiar with the classic red and white pairings - steak and seafood. However, Rośe’s popularity has certainly blown up in the last few years and you might be wondering what food pairs well with it? Brown Brothers Ambassador Andrew Harris and Head Chef Bodee Price share their top tips on what goes down well with Rośe. 1. Pairing wine with food sounds quite daunting. Why is rosé a great first wine to experiment with food pairing? Rosé is so versatile with food that it is a good wine to start your matching journey. Because rosé can handle lighter meat dishes, powerful vegetarian options and light, delicate seafood, it is quite forgiving in the outcome you get. Once you know you have a bit of leeway, you can really push the boundaries of rosé with food! 2. What are your three tips that beginners can follow to start pairing food with rosé? Try to have food that is a similar texture and weight to your rosé. If the food is too light it will be overpowered and if too heavy, it will overpower the rosé. A great example is oysters with the Brown Brothers Origins Series Dry Rosé. Try not to assume you know what a particular rosé will taste like, for example making a decision based on its colour. There are so many variables in the winemaking process such as skin contact time, time on lees (yeast once the ferment is finished), sweetness level and time in oak. These will all have an influence on the final wine and hence the food paring. The best way is to taste first or ask your sommelier for their recommendation on a rosé and food match. 3. And what about wine experts? Do you have any wine pairing tips for rosé lovers this International Rosé Day? If I was wanting to impress my guests this international rosé day I would be choosing an international dish that combines perfectly with the Brown Brothers Origins Rosé. One of my favorites is Black Pepper Crab. As a dish it has a delicate texture to the crab meat along with rich and spicy sauce. The rosé has lifted strawberry and rose petal flavours that tame and meld with the pepper and chili, while the crip acidity and dry finish work brilliantly with the fleshy crab meat. 4. What are your favourite dishes to make when you buy a bottle of rosé? What are the flavour combinations that automatically come to mind? Fruitier rosé can be excellent with spicy food, think Thai red curry or spicey San Choy Bow. At the sweeter end of the rosé spectrum I am a big fan of matching to Turkish Delight inspired desserts as well as cheese platters with fruit bread and quince paste. 5. Do you have any other tips you can share with us for International Rosé Day? I think rosé goes best with good friends and sunny afternoons! Keep the food light, fresh and diverse. Antipasto and charcuterie are my tips for a wonderful experience. Image: Supplied

Food & Wine

Amazing audio of Cleo's rescue, plus Premier owes her a new pair of shoes

WA Police have released audio of the moment 4-year-old Cleo Smith was rescued. One officer can be heard reassuring Cleo as they pick her up, saying “I’ve got you bubby”, while another asks Cleo, “What’s your name, sweetheart?” To this, she responds, “My name is Cleo”, to which the officer responds, “Your name is Cleo”, while another says “Hello Cleo”. It’s a heartwarming moment, as is the moment Cleo is carried outside the house she was found in, which police released video footage of on Wednesday soon after announcing she had been safely located and returned to her family. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> "My name is Cleo." <a href="https://t.co/xiy59x4kjP">pic.twitter.com/xiy59x4kjP</a> — WA Police Force (@WA_Police) <a href="https://twitter.com/WA_Police/status/1456102974502047744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2021</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The moment Cleo was rescued 👏 <a href="https://t.co/arusYi9kCa">pic.twitter.com/arusYi9kCa</a> — WA Police Force (@WA_Police) <a href="https://twitter.com/WA_Police/status/1455784205548359682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2021</a></blockquote> In a press conference earlier today, Detective Senior Sergeant Blaine said that Cleo was found awake in a room with the lights on, playing with toys. The home was in Carnarvon, the Western Australian town where the Smith family lives. She had been missing for 18 days when she was finally found around midnight on Wednesday. Blaine said that Cleo appeared to be in good spirits, "From our point of view, I'm amazed she seems to be so well-adjusted and happy, it was really, heart-warming to see. “She is playing in the backyard, exactly how you would expect, like how my daughter did when she was four-years-old." Premier Mark McGowan had the opportunity to meet her on Thursday, bringing with him two teddies – one for Cleo, and one for her younger sister Isla. They named the teddies Cameron and Rod, after the detective who rescued her and the lead investigator on the case, but he wasn’t sure if those names would stick, joking to reporters that “Cleo didn’t seem too enamoured with those names.” McGowan also revealed an embarrassing moment that transpired during the meeting. “I unfortunately trod on her new Barbie shoes and broke one of them, so I owe her a pair of shoes,” he said. Despite that unfortunate incident, the Premier said she was a “very bright, upbeat, sweet little girl” and described the Smith family as “very humble” and “very well adjusted” considering their ordeal. “It was a lovely experience to meet her. She was, I thought, very well adjusted considering and the family were very appreciative of everything that has been done for them. They’re ... fundamentally decent, honest human beings ... they’re really lovely people and it’s great to meet them and acknowledge what they’ve been through. “Obviously, there’ll be a way to go from here but they’re certainly on the right pathway.” Image: WA Police

News

Fake au pair accused of stealing four kids in Victoria

A woman has been accused of pretending to be an au pair to steal people’s children in Victoria. Samantha Azzopardi has been slapped with a child stealing charge after it was alleged she stole three children between December 2018 and November 2019. The 31-year-old has since been charged with a fourth child stealing offence from July last year, documents released by Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday show. 54 charges have been laid against Azzopardi, including forged documents to pass herself off as an experienced and qualified au pair by the name of Harper Hernandez. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7836725/samantha-azzopardi-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/3903d1a62d1a42538173594a125ca249" /> Samantha Azzopardi It is alleged she dishonestly obtained $6,500 over six months. The court was told she had targeted three families using different names and various pretences. At one point, she allegedly pretended to be a talent scout. Azzopardi has also been charged with allegedly faking being a nurse named Sakah to obtain a uniform from Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar School at Essendon in October 2019. Magistrate Donna Bakos has denied a request from Azzopardi’s lawyers who asked to question three of her alleged victims - two parents and a child - about the fraudster's alleged identity. “It's not good enough to say she disagrees with evidence. It's not good enough to say she wants to plead not guilty,” the magistrate said. Azzopardi's case is due back in court for a further committal mention on July 13.

News

Fashion conspiracy: Does Prince Harry only own one pair of shoes?

The Duke of Sussex has had a busy few months in the spotlight since the birth of his first son, Archie. However, it seems not even a swarm of cameras could pick up this odd fashion choice by Prince Harry that has seemed to be a constant for the royal for the last few months. Royal fans noticed something strange about the Duke of Sussex when a beautiful photograph of him and his family at the christening of first son Archie’s baptism was shared. It wasn’t just the adorable photo of Archie that kept fans on their toes, or the beautiful smile that graced Harry's wife Duchess Meghan that got people talking – it was a pair of suede brown brogues that was spotted on the Duke’s feet. On Twitter, fans pointed out Prince Harry had been wearing the same particular pair of shoes for the past few months. “Prince Harry’s offhand manner of dressing for his son and heir’s first official outing. Is this the exact same suit and suede shoes he wore when he showed the world his son?” one eagle-eyed fan wrote. Another tweet read: “Prince Harry is wearing exactly the same suit, brown desert boots, white shirt as he wore to present Archie.” “On an unrelated note, could the Duchess of Sussex do something about how sloppy her husband Prince Harry looks?” a snarky comment read. “Start with burning those ugly a** worn out brown shoes.” It appears Prince Harry has been wearing the same brown pair of shoes for a while now – dating back to October 2018 when he visited Sussex with his wife. The Duke was also spotted in the shoes when he and Duchess Meghan touched down in Casablanca airport in February. A few days later, the royal member was sporting the brogues again while the couple visited Rabat in Morocco. The royal has proven a pair of shoes can take you a long way. Scroll through the gallery above to see the number of times Prince Harry has been spotted sporting his favourite brown pair of shoes.

News

Wimbledon's chicest pair: Duchess Kate and Duchess Meghan's winning looks

Royal fans were treated to an extremely rare outing by the Duchess of Cambridge, Duchess of Sussex and Pippa Middleton for the Wimbledon women’s single final of 2019. It’s the second time both Duchess Kate and Duchess Meghan have attended the event together and this year was made all the more special as they watched and cheered Serena Williams on alongside Duchess Kate’s sister, Pippa. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> kate and meghan greeting the duke of kent ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/JkxpPee68Q">pic.twitter.com/JkxpPee68Q</a> — barb (@daernerys) <a href="https://twitter.com/daernerys/status/1150094351470604289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2019</a></blockquote> While it is not the first time the royals have spent a day out together, it is not often the public get to see the duo out and about – <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/archie-s-first-official-outing-the-royal-babies-steal-the-spotlight-from-their-dads" target="_blank">especially just days after a fun day out with family</a> at the polo. The Duchess of Cambridge donned a Dolce & Gabbana green crepe dress with a row of gold buttons and simple bow. The gorgeous frock is recycled by the royal – worn back in 2017 during a visit to Vancouver. However, this time the stunning, figure-hugging outfit was paired with a Dolce Sicily shoulder bag, adding a perfect touch to the regal look. The Duchess of Sussex looked equally as beautiful in a chic tennis look for the special outing with her sister-in-law and Pippa. The royal wore a crisp white Givenchy shirt and a blue and white patterned skirt from Hugo Boss, which featured a stroke print and gorgeous plissé pleats. The new mother to Archie added classic touches from her elegant jewellery to sleek pulled back hair, but this time she added a micro bag – a cream Stella McCartney Grace clutch. Earlier this week, the Duchess Meghan was spotted cheering on her close friend Serena Williams in a surprisingly casual yet chic ensemble – a white blazer, black top, jeans and a thick rimmed pair of sunnies. A body language expert deemed the royal members to be like “three sisters sitting together” alongside Pippa. Judi James told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/9500171/kate-meghan-wanted-appear-friendly-wimbledon/" target="_blank">The Sun’s Fabulous</a>: “Sitting Meghan in between Kate and Pippa looks like a very active attempt to both host her and include her in a way that hasn't quite occurred since she married Harry." James added, “There is a lot of eye contact between the sisters-in-law here too, which, along with the laughter, should be seen as a sign they want to be seen as friendly together.” Scroll through the gallery above to see the Duchess of Cambridge and Duchess of Sussex’s special day out together. To end her Wimbledon style streak, Duchess Kate attended the men’s final the following day, where Novak Djokovic defeated Roger Federer in a nail-biting match. This time, however, the royal switched out her two 'royal' sisters and finished off the closing event with her husband Prince William while wearing one of her favourite designers, Emilia Wickstead. The the mum-of-three kept is simple, chic and summery in a blue below-the-knee frock with capped sleeves and a delicate bow, but her choice of footwear is what really surprised royal fans. The Duchess usually opts for hefty summer wedges, however, she chose a nude ankle-strap pump with a thick heel instead for her tennis outing.

Beauty & Style

Twin pair: Melania Trump wears similar look to Princess Diana

First Lady Melania Trump has touched down in the UK with her husband, US President Donald Trump for a special three-day state visit. Melania adorned a crisp white Dolce & Gabbana dress with a navy collar along with a matching broadbrimmed Hervé Pierre hat and Manolo Blahnik navy shoes. The First Lady greeted Queen Elizabeth while donning the chic ensemble however, that was not what sent tongues wagging. The 49-year-old’s outfit looked eerily similar to a white and navy outfit that royal icon, Princess Diana wore over 20 years ago. Royal insiders cannot be sure if the First Lady wore the outfit to pay tribute to the beloved Princess Di, who wore it on the 50th anniversary of VJ Day in 1995. Princess Diana, who passed away in 1997 wore several immaculate white and navy outfits throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s and was considered a fashion icon throughout her time. Other royal insiders noted that Mrs Trump may have taken fashion inspiration from two other “English roses”: Audrey Hepburn’s character, Eliza Dolittle in My Fair Lady; and Kate Winslet’s character, Rose from Titanic. The Trumps enjoyed lunch with the Queen at Buckingham Palace to mark the start of their three day state visit, The President and Mrs Trump were greeted outside the palace by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. Scroll through the gallery above to see Melania Trump’s display of fashion since touching down in the UK.

Beauty & Style

Obsessed much? Celine Dion stores 10,000 pairs of shoes in Las Vegas warehouse

Most people usually have a few pairs of shoes. Some for going out and some for everyday wear. But if you’re Celine Dion then you’re most likely going to need an entire warehouse to store all of your footwear. The singer, who has a residency at Las Vegas’ Caesar’s Palace, let James Corden in on her obsession with shoes during a Carpool Karaoke segment last week. When originally asked the question, Celine admitted to owning 3000-5000 pairs of shoes, but after a bit more heckling, she finally gave away the correct number. Corden went on to say that he had heard a rumour of the performer owning up to 10,000 pairs of shoes, to which Celine said was possible. “Maybe. I didn’t want to say it,” she admitted. But the question on everyone’s minds was: Where does someone with that many pairs of shoes possibly keep them? “I have a place in Las Vegas … let’s call it a warehouse,” revealed the 51-year-old. And while having a separate property just for shoes seems extravagant, Dion went on to explain that her former home in Florida had an entirely computerised system to help categorise her shoes. “I had a system, it was computerised, and I would press, and the door would open,” she revealed. “I would press another button and they would turn.” She said that the shoes were colour coordinated to make it easier for her to pick and choose between them. The chosen pair of shoes would then be presented on a thick glass counter, filled with crushed diamonds – but while it seems over-the-top, it isn’t as lavish as you may think. “Not real diamonds, just to make sure that you don’t think that I’m loco,” Dion said. In 2017, the My Heart Will Go On singer spoke to <a rel="noopener" href="https://wwd.com/" target="_blank">WWD</a> about her hoarding habits, saying she finds it difficult to throw things away as they hold sentimental value. “They’re part of every step that I take, and I have an attachment to it,” she told the publication. But during the hilarious Carpool Karaoke segment, Dion didn’t seem to have a choice as she was forced to part ways with her favourite pairs of shoes by giving them away to strangers along the Las Vegas strip. Despite being reluctant, Dion managed to give a few pairs away to lucky walkers-by. But while it seemed to be in good fun, it doesn’t look like the performer will be downsizing her collection anytime soon.

Music

How to choose the perfect pair of jeans for your body shape

For many of us, finding the right pair of jeans is one of the most difficult fashion issues around. Depending on the jeans and our own body shape, denim is often too long, too short, too loose or too tight! Add to that the bewildering number of leg lengths, cuts and materials and it is no wonder that many of us dread the idea of trying on new jeans in the changing rooms. So, in order to find the perfect pair of jeans, take a look at the following useful tips – they will help you to figure out how to choose the perfect pair of jeans no matter what your age or body shape! Match your body type Finding <a href="https://www.jeanswest.com.au/en-au/jeans.htm" target="_blank">jeans that fit</a> is first and foremost about your body shape. For some women, length is the issue, while in others it can be their curves or a lack of definition in the waist area. However, never sacrifice comfort. It is virtually impossible to look and feel confident wearing jeans if you can’t move, bend or stretch, or if you are in any way uncomfortable. Consider stretch Modern jeans come in many different styles, and many now incorporate stretchy materials, which can be a real bonus in those places where you need a little help. Look for jeans that will move and flex with you as needed and which get back into shape easily once you take them off. You may need to spend a little more on a good pair, but it is certainly worth it. <img width="500" height="333" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7268402/shutterstock_1010584237_opt_500x333.jpg" alt="Shutterstock _1010584237_opt"/> If in doubt, go dark There was a time when all <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeans" target="_blank">jeans were the same blue denim</a> colour. Nowadays, you will find jeans in every shade of blue under the sun, plus white, black, khaki, beige… If this is too much choice for you and you are struggling with which colour to go for, remember that dark colours are more practical, more forgiving, and often more stylish than lighter colours. They are also easy to dress up as well as down, making them one of the most versatile items in your wardrobe. Accentuate the positive Of course, to find the perfect fit you need to know what your “problem areas” are. You are not alone, we all have them! But rather than focusing on the negative, experiment with jeans that show off your good points. Do you have great ankles? Then try cropped or 7/8 jeans that will show them off. Do you have curves? Then why not show them off with some great curve-embracing jeans, rather than hiding in something shapeless. Forget labels Remember that with jeans, fit and comfort are much more important than brands. You will feel better knowing you look good in your jeans, rather than knowing that you are wearing an expensive, branded pair that leaves something to be desired in the fit. Experiment with different styles and makes and once you have found the ideal pair of jeans that make you feel amazing – do the clever thing and buy another pair! If you are still looking for those perfect jeans, shop at <a href="https://www.jeanswest.com.au/en-au/" target="_blank">Jeanswest</a> where you will find a great range of denim for all ages, personalities, sizes and styles. As well as jeans, you can also find stylish tops, tees, jackets, skirts, dresses and accessories there, plus a complete menswear range and some of the best maternity wear around for any daughters or granddaughters that might be expecting.

Beauty & Style

How an old pair of stockings can cut your cleaning time in half

Stockings are a wardrobe essential, but when they get a ladder, are either left at the bottom of a drawer or bin. Australian cleaning expert Shannon Lush has revealed that old pairs of stockings can be a helpful tool that will significantly cut down your cleaning time. Speaking to New Idea, Shannon shared some easy tricks that will give new purpose to your old pairs of stockings. The bathroom Shannon’s first tip for cleaning the bathroom is putting everything that isn’t easy to wash or shouldn’t get wet, into a bucket first. "Sprinkle your bathroom surfaces with bicarb soda and lightly spray with white vinegar," Shannon said. She suggests that while it is fizzing, you should sweep with a broom covered in stockings. “A rolled-up pair of pantyhose will allow you to get into any smaller areas, and use the broom and an old towel to dry the floor.” The loungeroom Shannon suggests also using stockings to clean the loungeroom. “Dust ceilings, light fittings and walls with a broom covered with pantyhose,” she said. “If you spray the head with some lavender spray, it inhibits insects.” The kitchen Shannon also has found a way to get super-sparkling taps. She recommends adding a teaspoon of lavender oil to a one-litre spray bottle of water and applying it to surfaces using a rolled-up pair of stockings to dry. “Rather than using a toothbrush to get into that nitty gritty bit down the bottom of the tap, wrap the pantyhose leg around the base of the tap and seesaw backwards and forwards just like you are polishing a shoe,” she said. “It takes seconds rather than minutes.” What are your unique cleaning tricks? Let us know in the comments below. To find your home essentials <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/?utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=Over60Shop&utm_medium=in-article-link-o60shop&utm_content=over60-shop%20" target="_blank">head to the Over60 Shop for high-quality offerings</a>. <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/living?utm_source=Over60&utm_medium=in-article-banner-living&utm_campaign=Over60Shop&utm_content=over60-shop" target="_blank"><img src="http://media.oversixty.com.au/images/EditorialAddon/201706_Shopnow_EditorialAddon_468x60_Living.jpg" alt="Over60 Shop - Living Range"/></a>

Home & Garden

7 secrets to finding the most flattering pair of jeans

When you think about the cost per wear of your jeans, you can see why it pays to invest in a good pair. But it’s not enough to just go out and buy a well-known brand of jeans and expect them to be the perfect fit. There are a lot of elements that are important to take into consideration when choosing the best denim for your body shape. 1. Allow for some movement It’s not a great option to have 100 per cent cotton jeans as they don’t have enough ‘give’. Go for jeans with a little movement (usually known as elastane) and this will also help with the fit, as they won’t be so tight on the waistband. 2. Forget the zips to reduce a belly If you want to flatten your stomach, go for jeans without a front zip. Instead, find some with a higher stretchy waistband that you can just cover with your top. 3. Be mindful of faded colours It’s common to find that jeans have patches that are lighter than others. It’s best to avoid any that have faded space in your problem areas, as this will draw the eye to them. Same goes with rips and tears – less is more. 4. Go for less fiddly bits Flaps, sequins, dangly bits – all of these add bulk to your jeans, making the area where they are placed (usually waist or butt) look bigger. Keep things clean and simple to downplay any areas you are worried about. 5. Try them on with heels Jeans always look better with heels on, so it’s important to try them on with your favourite shoes. Heels make your legs and butt appear more toned, which is always a good thing. 6. When in doubt, choose boot cut If you’re not sure where to start, reach for the boot cut jeans. These suit most shapes, and unlike some slim fitting jeans they are quite flattering for nearly everybody. 7. Double up when you’re sure Found a pair you adore? Why not buy two pairs – say one dark, one light? Then you don’t have to head back to the shop too soon. What are your tips and tricks for finding a flattering pair of jeans? Let us know in the comments below.

Beauty & Style

How to pair wine and food infographic

On the way to a friend’s house for a dinner party and you stop off at the shops for supplies. You call them and ask, shall I bring anything in particular, wine perhaps? They thank you and say “That would be wonderful, we’re having salmon for dinner”. You know this is supposed to be a hint, but you have not a clue what it means. Whether you are attending or hosting, knowing the basic of food and wine matching is invaluable to the success of a meal. Use this clever infographic below that explains what varietals match what food types. <img width="544" height="799" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/17301/wine2_544x799.jpg" alt="Wine2"/> Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/02/what-your-wine-choice-says-about-you/">What your wine choice says about you</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/02/herb-baked-salmon/">The perfect herb-baked salmon</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/12/how-to-cook-the-perfect-steak/">How to cook the perfect steak</a>

Food & Wine

Gallery: Unlikely animal pairings

These animal friendships could sure teach us humans a lot. Despite many falling into the predator and prey category, these unlikely friendships flourished proving that relationships come in all different shapes and sizes. 1. The Boxer and the goatWhen this baby goat was abandoned by her mother when she was a few hours old, Tilly, the boxer, took him in. Tilly cleans and grooms the baby goat and keeps a close eye in case there’s any trouble.<img width="500" height="580" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/4954/boxer-and-goat_500x580.jpg" alt="Boxer And Goat">Credit: Richard Austin/Rex USA2. The tiger and the orangutanAt the Taman Safari in Indonesia, a sanctuary for endangered animals, this orangutan and Sumatran tiger are as closer as brothers.<img width="500" height="400" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/4955/the-tiger-and-orangutan.jpg" alt="The Tiger And Orangutan">Credit: Dimas Ardian3. The pigeon and the macaqueThe macaque was a rescue whose recovery wasn’t going well – that is until he met this pigeon. Now the two spend all day together.<img width="500" height="400" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/4956/pigeon-and-the-macaque.jpg" alt="Pigeon And The Macaque">Credit: Photoshot4. The elephant and the Black LabBubble, the elephant, was rescued from ivory poachers in Africa and now resides in a safari reserve in the US. Bella, the black lab, was left by contractors for the park. The two quickly struck up a friendship despite their difference in size.<img width="500" height="398" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/4957/elephant-and-the-black-lab_500x398.jpg" alt="Elephant And The Black Lab">Credit: Barry Bland5. The giraffe and the ostrichThe two share a 65-acre enclosure in Busch Gardens in the US so they aren’t forced to be together but they choose to do so. We’d like to say a mutual admiration of each other’s long necks brought them together.<img width="500" height="318" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/4958/giraffe-and-the-ostrich_500x318.jpg" alt="Giraffe And The Ostrich">Credit: PA6. The greyhound and the owlTorque, the six-month old greyhound, was introduced to Shrek when he was just an owl chick. The two are now the best of pals.<img width="498" height="330" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/4959/the-dog-and-the-owl_498x330.jpg" alt="The Dog And The Owl">Credit: Solent News7. The chicken and the puppiesWhile these puppies have their own canine mum, Mabel, the chicken, often lends a helping hand by roosting on the puppies to keep them warm.<img width="498" height="290" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/4960/chicken-and-the-puppies_498x290.jpg" alt="Chicken And The Puppies">Credit: Anita Maric8. The peacock and the gooseValentine, the peacock, was given some goose eggs to sit on by the staff at How Park Farm. Only one of the eggs hatched and Valentine immediately became a proud mother following the new chick around, showing it what to eat and even putting it to bed.<img width="500" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/4961/peacock-and-the-goose_500x375.jpg" alt="Peacock And The Goose">Credit: Rex USARelated links:<a href="/lifestyle/pets/2015/02/cute-baby-animal-pictures/">10 cute baby animals guaranteed to brighten your day</a><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2014/10/9-impossibly-fluffy-animals-that-will-make-your-day/">9 impossibly fluffy animals that will make your day</a><a href="/news/news/2015/02/cat-naps/">10 cats who can nap anywhere</a>

Family & Pets

Summer-perfect wine pairings

Summer is on the way. From BBQs to picnics in the park, we can’t wait for the chance to have lighter, fresh and flavoursome meals from morning to night. This hot weather-style of eating brings with it endless opportunities for matching lighter, refreshing wines with simple with your easy-to-prepare foods. And while pairing your favourite summer dish isn’t any different from other food and wine pairings, there are some tips to make the food and vino experience even more delightful.When it comes to picking wine for the warmer months, simply go for something you like, but if you ever need guidance, follow the food and wine pairing principles to get a good idea of which wines pair nicely with flavours of the dishes on the menu at each meal time. One thing that is different come summer dining and wine, is the serving temperature of your wines. While this is by no means a hard and fast rule, we’re sure you’ll agree that having a well-chilled wine is absolutely delightful in the heat.With salads a fixture at meal time in summer, selecting an ideal wine to pair with these healthy spreads very much depends on the dressings and ingredients. A salad full of meats, nuts and cheeses is very wine friendly and can be paired with a good variety of wines. When it comes to salads full of crispy raw vegetables, things can be a little bit more challenging. Raw leaves, for instance, can make wines taste bitter. In this case pair wines that are round and with a bit more texture. Again reds (that chill nicely), whites with great acidity and fruitiness are great options for salads, but if you are ever unsure, a delicious bubbly is the perfect accompaniment that will always go well on a summer’s day!Asian-inspired dishes are another summertime favourite. If you dine this style, go for the classic aromatic wines for pairing – again have them chilled beforehand to bring absolute satisfaction in the boiling summer. Wines such as tart whites, light and fruity reds, rosé and sparkling are great choices. Great examples include sauvignon blanc, riesling, pinot gris and non-oaked chardonnay for the whites; dry and off-dry rosés; fruity reds that are nice chilled and sparkling.

Food & Wine

Principles of food and wine pairing

McWilliam’s wine educator, Michael Quirk, gives Over60 a rundown on what wine varieties work well with certain foods. Michael explains that “the generally accepted rule of ‘like with like’ can assist”. For instance, sweet wine with sweet food, acidic wines with sour foods and red wine with red meat.When planning your next meal here’s your cheat-sheet for pairing a matching wine:Michael says, “These work beautifully together”…<ul><li> Champagne/premium sparkling is perfect with anything salty like fresh oysters </li></ul><ul><li>Rosé champagne is great with dinner (think salmon), not just hors d'oeuvres.</li></ul><ul><li>Sauvignon blanc goes with tart dressings and sauces and especially asparagus.</li></ul><ul><li>Albariño/verdelho is perfect when a dish has lots of fresh herbs. For instance, fish and crustaceans</li></ul><ul><li>Pinot grigio/gris pairs with light fish dishes and dried meats like parma ham and melon</li></ul><ul><li>Chardonnay goes well with fatty fish (like salmon or tuna) or fish in a rich sauce.</li></ul><ul><li>Riesling or semillon pairs great with sushi or sashimi</li></ul><ul><li>Off-dry riesling pairs with sweet and spicy dishes like Asian cuisine – Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese</li></ul><ul><li>Moscato loves fresh tropical fruit, pavolas and fruit-based desserts</li></ul><ul><li>Botrytis semillon/riesling is amazing with foie gras, pâté and terrines</li></ul><ul><li>Dry rosé works well with rich, cheesy dishes and spicy Mexican style. For example tacos or Vietnamese rolls</li></ul><ul><li>Pinot noir/Nebbiolo is great for dishes with earthy flavours</li></ul><ul><li>Old world wines (many European ones) and old world dishes are intrinsically good together.</li></ul><ul><li>Tempranillo/grenache won't be overshadowed by sweet and spicy barbecue sauces</li></ul><ul><li>Merlot for pâtés, mousses and terrines. Merlot also goes well with pizza! </li></ul><ul><li>Cabernet sauvignon is fabulous with juicy red meat especially game</li></ul><ul><li>Syrah/shiraz matches with highly spiced dishes</li></ul><ul><li>Liqueur muscat perfect match is Christmas pudding</li></ul>

Food & Wine

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Obsessed much? Celine Dion stores 10,000 pairs of shoes in Las Vegas warehouse

How to choose the perfect pair of jeans for your body shape

How an old pair of stockings can cut your cleaning time in half

7 secrets to finding the most flattering pair of jeans

How to pair wine and food infographic

Gallery: Unlikely animal pairings

Summer-perfect wine pairings

Principles of food and wine pairing

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