Hi [firstname],

Taking a break

Holidays seem to be a focal point in the Notebook: office this week. Our editor, Caroline Roessler, has just returned, fabulously tanned, from the Greek Islands. Sub editor, Sarah Allen, and senior account manager, Hannah Calgaro, have come back from separate trips to Europe, and our production manager, Michelle O'Brien, has jetted off to Mexico. Meanwhile, those of us who are still earnestly saving for our turn can choose to follow the optimistic adage 'a change is as good as a holiday.' Check out our decorating ideas ('Make it all white', July, page 146) to make your home look bright and fresh using simple white decor. You could even start a home project and have it ready for the coming spring months. Why not recreate the beautiful mosaic table from our March 2007 issue, found here in our online archives?

Dish it up

As we hit the depths of winter, our stomachs start to grumble just that little bit more. Listening to your body is important and we shouldn't worry too much about indulging it from time to time. For those who love to cook from scratch, learning to make our Step-by-step croissants (see page 122 of our July issue) will leave friends and family wanting more. If you need a fast and fresh meal, a very simple but often overlooked side dish is couscous. This grainy gem is a favourite of our picture editor, Sarah Mury, and it can be ready in just under five minutes! Try our lamb kibbeh kebabs with pistachio and apricot couscous (see page 128) for when you need a quick, delicious dish for any occasion.

Well read

A saying we all know is 'don't judge a book by its cover'. But have you ever noticed how much you can learn about a person by looking at the contents of their bookshelf? This month's home decorating feature, 'An artful existence' (page 136) leads with the theory that "it is art and books that make a home". At work, I am surrounded by boxes containing copies of Notebook: (naturally), novels for review, cookbooks, other magazines and inspiring publications – which sums up our busy, creative, and resourceful team quite nicely (learn more about us here). My bookshelf at home reveals an interesting mix of personalities and interests when I compare my copy of Alice's Adventures In Wonderland, a handmade fairytale book by young Australian artist Akina, and my great granddad's dictionary from 1928 with my partner's computer engineering texts, adventure fiction, and copies of Time magazine. It is quite fun to examine and reflect upon yourself in this way. Don't forget to join our online book club to discuss your favourite books with others and leave a review!

Did you know you can download and print a bookmark featuring an inspirational quote and cover image from our current or past issues? Click here, and scroll to the bottom of the page to never lose your place again!

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